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T2D and Dental Injections

rachaelc

rachaelc

Active Member
Messages
33
Location
Somerset
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
For years I've know that the adrenaline in dental injections trigger hypos in me. My dentist has it on my records. There was an incident a few yrs ago when a temporary dentist, didn't read my notes and they had to rush for orange juice. Today I saw the periodental hygienist, who I only see 6monthly. Because of a recent infection and tender tooth, she gave me some anaesthetic before setting to work. I started to feel lightheaded and immediately realised the problem. I forgot to mention it. Fortunately I had glucose tabs in my bag. They also had some in the clinic. She was mortified & kept asking if I was ok, of course I'm used to sorting myself out and sense the symptoms very quickly, so was absolutely fine after a few moments. I had to calm her down and after the treatment was finished, the Periodentist insisted on a nurse walking me downstairs to make sure I was ok and it was logged etc. It all felt over the top, but glad they took care of me. So this is a warning to T2D folk – beware of how anaesthetic injections can affect you. The adrenaline is there to contract blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding while they work, alternatives are always available.
 
Thanks for the warning @rachaelc , although I haven’t been able to have adrenaline in any local they give me for years because it gives me really bad palpitations. Even going to the same dentist for as long as I care to remember, I always double check he’s got the adrenaline free version in his syringe before I open my mouth! :D
 
rachaelc said:
So this is a warning to T2D folk – beware of how anaesthetic injections can affect you.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that probably explains why I have felt light headed when I've had injections at the dentist. I'd put it down to getting up too quickly. I'll have my FS Libre to keep an eye on things in the future. Must get it hooked up to a smartwatch.
 
rachaelc said:
For years I've know that the adrenaline in dental injections trigger hypos in me. My dentist has it on my records. There was an incident a few yrs ago when a temporary dentist, didn't read my notes and they had to rush for orange juice. Today I saw the periodental hygienist, who I only see 6monthly. Because of a recent infection and tender tooth, she gave me some anaesthetic before setting to work. I started to feel lightheaded and immediately realised the problem. I forgot to mention it. Fortunately I had glucose tabs in my bag. They also had some in the clinic. She was mortified & kept asking if I was ok, of course I'm used to sorting myself out and sense the symptoms very quickly, so was absolutely fine after a few moments. I had to calm her down and after the treatment was finished, the Periodentist insisted on a nurse walking me downstairs to make sure I was ok and it was logged etc. It all felt over the top, but glad they took care of me. So this is a warning to T2D folk – beware of how anaesthetic injections can affect you. The adrenaline is there to contract blood vessels and prevent excessive bleeding while they work, alternatives are always available.
Click to expand...
Completely unaware of this. Something to bear in mind. Thanks for posting.
 
I am missing something here. I would have thought that adrenalin (epinephrine) would raise bg levels rather than lower them. Can anyone elucidate for me, please?
 
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