Ibuprofen & BS levels?
- Thread starter Lynn1
- Start Date
Alisonjane10
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,671
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Bullies, discrimination of any kind, bad manners, parents who let their kids run amok & spoil things for everyone else, unkind spiteful people, being a clumsy clod, toast crumbs in the bed, cold feet!!
Hi Lynn1
I suspect that the ibuprofen is not the cause of raised BS. It's most likely that the stress upon your body due to pain & inflammation is actually the cause. Keep well hydrated & if the ibuprofen isn't managing to control the pain effectively, or you have breakthrough pain, then another visit to see your GP is necessary. Your doctor may want to combine the ibuprofen with an analgesic or increase your dose. Ibuprofen often causes gastric disturbances, so I do hope your GP has prescribed you something to protect your stomach....something like Omeprazole or Lansoprazole is the usual first choice. I hope you feel better very soon.
Ali. X
- Messages
- 432
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- I do not have diabetes
Yes, I am taking Omeprazole to protect my stomach.
Taking Ibuprofen in the short-term after having a second total knee replacement.
Alisonjane10
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,671
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Bullies, discrimination of any kind, bad manners, parents who let their kids run amok & spoil things for everyone else, unkind spiteful people, being a clumsy clod, toast crumbs in the bed, cold feet!!
OUCH! Yes, I am aware just how painful this procedure is. I'm afraid orthopaedic surgery can be brutal on the body. Pain will usually be worse on the second or third day after surgery when the anaesthetic and strong medication wears off, and you’ll probably need strong painkillers to control this. Without them it’ll be difficult to do the exercises needed to strengthen your muscles and restore mobility. You haven't said how long it is since you had your procedure, but you're clearly still experiencing a great deal of pain/discomfort. The knock on effect is resulting in higher than usual BS levels. You could do without this added worry in my humble opinion. As I said in my earlier reply, if you're having breakthrough pain, or your pain management isn't effective, then you need to get back to your GP to discuss what other pain relief is available to you. Hopefully, you'll also be seeing a physiotherapist for assessment & appropriate treatment. If not, then this also needs to be discussed with your GP. I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery. Keep your chin up.
Ali. X
- Messages
- 432
- Type of diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Treatment type
- I do not have diabetes
Brutal is correct! First TKR last June was truly awful. Not so much pain-wise as emotionally. It completely knocked me for six - tearful, loss of confidence, zero concentration. The list goes on ...
This time has been so different and a huge improvement. Still painful, but knowing both knees are sorted now has made all the difference. Formed a great bond with my physiotherapist last time and have already started my hydrotherapy sessions, followed by gym work.
Not sure that my GP could prescribe anything that could knock the pain out completely - at least that I'd be happy taking. Tramadol and the like had too many unpleasant side effects. So, like last time, I'll persevere with my physio, however painful on occasion. And this time, I am looking forward to getting my life back after hobbling around for a couple of years.
My second TKR was on 18th March, so early days yet. This op takes a long time to recover from!
Thanks for replying!
Alisonjane10
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,671
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Bullies, discrimination of any kind, bad manners, parents who let their kids run amok & spoil things for everyone else, unkind spiteful people, being a clumsy clod, toast crumbs in the bed, cold feet!!
Hi Lynn
With your great attitude & determination, it sounds like you're on the way to recovery. And yeah, it is still early days, but at least you knew what to expect with this TKR. Still brutal, but better prepared emotionally it appears. As ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory NSAID, it can be taken alongside paracetamol or co-codamol. They can even be taken at the same time if the pain is stopping you getting about. Useful at bedtime too if the discomfort is affecting your sleep. But always check it out with your GP first. They're the experts. Good luck for a trouble free recovery.
Ali.
Alisonjane10
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,671
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Bullies, discrimination of any kind, bad manners, parents who let their kids run amok & spoil things for everyone else, unkind spiteful people, being a clumsy clod, toast crumbs in the bed, cold feet!!
Hi Juju82
Ibuprofen has an enteric coating. Enteric refers to the small intestine. Therefore, enteric coatings prevent release of medication before it reaches the small intestine. The gastric acid in the stomach causes breakdown of tablets/compounds prior to their intended activation location, hence an enteric coating prevents stomach breakdown of the tablet. The way tablets such as Ibuprofen are coated provides a negligible amount of sucrose...less than 0.01g. The EC coating is very thin and is mainly made up of water/ adherence agent, which helps the coating "stick" to the tablet. So, diabetics are able to take "sugar coated" medication without worrying about raising their blood glucose. The stress of pain, inflammation, fever, infection upon the body of a diabetic is usually the cause of raised blood glucose, & not the analgesia or anti-inflammatory medication. Personally speaking, my blood glucose levels spike into the mid to high teens whenever I have an infection. It's a complete nightmare trying to get it under control again, & my worrying about it just makes it even worse. Aarrrgh! Hope the above explanation is helpful. Best wishes.
Ali.
Interesting.
My 2nd knee was done 13th Feb, getting over the pain situation but severe stiffness is a problem. Ice pack helps.
Paracetanol 2 tablets at bed time only. No other pain control.
Blood sugars high and increased dosage of insulin to some 20-30 units night and morning whereas pre op 15 units night and morning.
Will BS levels reduce over period and is there a max insulin dose beyond which safety comes a problem?
My 2nd knee was done 13th Feb, getting over the pain situation but severe stiffness is a problem. Ice pack helps.
Paracetanol 2 tablets at bed time only. No other pain control.
Blood sugars high and increased dosage of insulin to some 20-30 units night and morning whereas pre op 15 units night and morning.
Will BS levels reduce over period and is there a max insulin dose beyond which safety comes a problem?
Alisonjane10
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 1,671
- Type of diabetes
- Treatment type
- Tablets (oral)
- Dislikes
- Bullies, discrimination of any kind, bad manners, parents who let their kids run amok & spoil things for everyone else, unkind spiteful people, being a clumsy clod, toast crumbs in the bed, cold feet!!
Diabetes and Being Ill - Diabetes and Illness
Having an illness or infection can make it particularly hard to control blood sugar levels. A little knowledge of how illnesses affect diabetes can go a long way towards helping you through.
It’s hard to go a year without catching a cold, virus, flu or stomach bug so it pays to be prepared as to how to manage during periods of sickness.
How does illness affect diabetes?
During an illness or infection the body will release extra glucose into your blood stream in a bid to help combat the illness. In people without diabetes, this is an effective strategy as their pancreas will release extra insulin to cope with the extra blood glucose.
In people with diabetes, though, the release of glucose presents an unwanted extra difficulty in managing the rise in blood glucose levels - in addition to feeling less than 100%.
Illness and very high blood sugar levels
The NHS recommends that people with diabetes with a sugar level over 28 mmols/L should seek emergency advice from their healthcare team or, during out-of-hours times, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Coping with diabetes and illness
To keep a track of how much your sugar levels are rising, it’s recommended to test your blood more often than usual.
Test for ketones
If you have type 1 diabetes, it is advisable to follow up any high blood sugar readings with a test for ketones.
Keep yourself well hydrated.
High blood glucose levels can lead to dehydration so make sure you are regularly drinking fluids to stay hydrated.
Keep eating
It may be tempting to not eat whilst unwell but this could lead to more ketones as the body may need to break down fat to make fuel.
If eating is difficult, or if you are vomiting and cannot keep food down, it is advisable to have drinks with carbohydrate in instead of meals.
If you self-manage your insulin, be careful with how much insulin you take.
Transcript
If your blood sugar rises without good reason and stays that way through the day, it could mean you’ve caught a cold or infection.
The body responds to infections by raising blood sugar, which can be problematic - as well as a surprise - for people with diabetes. It can be quite common for blood sugars to rise in this way even before the symptoms of illness come on.
If you have a blood glucose testing kit, then test your blood sugar more often than usual. Charity Diabetes UK advise people with type 1 diabetes to test for ketones if blood sugar level rise above 15 mmol/L to prevent a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis occurring.
It’s recommended to drink fluids regularly when ill to keep yourself hydrated.
If you take insulin it’s important you keep taking your insulin when ill. Diabetes UK say, if you’re having trouble keeping food down, it’s recommended to replace meals with drinks with carbohydrate in them, such as milk or sugary drinks, instead.
This will ensure you’re getting energy for your body. Some people will find they need to increase their insulin whilst they’re ill. If you’re unsure about anything, or struggling with your levels, contact your health team.
If blood sugars get too out of control and rise too high for too long, it can become dangerous. Laboured breathing, dehydration, vomiting and loss of consciousness can be symptoms of dangerously high blood sugar levels. If these symptoms occur with illness, seek medical advice.
As the illness passes, you should find your normal levels settle again.
If you’ve increased your insulin whilst you were ill, you may find you start to get low levels and hypos -so be ready to change your doses back to what they were before the illness.
Keep taking your diabetes medication
This is important for all types of diabetes even if you are finding it difficult to eat.
If you are unsure about how much to dose, contact your health team. If the illness is becoming a struggle or your sugar or ketone levels are rising too high, it is also best to contact your healthcare team for advice.
If your blood glucose or ketone levels are rising too high, or you are vomiting it is best to contact your healthcare team for advice.
Diabetes, illness and ketones
People with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis (caused by very high sugar levels).
It is recommended to do a test for ketones if your blood sugar rises above 15 mmols/L.
This is usually a urine test but a few blood glucose meters allow for blood testing for ketones in a similar way as testing for sugar levels.
Managing blood sugar levels after illness
Blood glucose levels may take a few days to stabilise, even after you feel back to full health, so keep testing more often than usual until the blood sugar settles down.
Illness in children with diabetes
Whilst sugar levels have a tendency to rise during illness for most people with diabetes, children may find hypoglycemia occurs.
Regular testing is therefore strongly advised as is having a source of glucose for hypo treatment.
Explore Diabetes and Illness
Join the Diabetes Newsletter
Having an illness or infection can make it particularly hard to control blood sugar levels. A little knowledge of how illnesses affect diabetes can go a long way towards helping you through.
It’s hard to go a year without catching a cold, virus, flu or stomach bug so it pays to be prepared as to how to manage during periods of sickness.
How does illness affect diabetes?
During an illness or infection the body will release extra glucose into your blood stream in a bid to help combat the illness. In people without diabetes, this is an effective strategy as their pancreas will release extra insulin to cope with the extra blood glucose.
In people with diabetes, though, the release of glucose presents an unwanted extra difficulty in managing the rise in blood glucose levels - in addition to feeling less than 100%.
Illness and very high blood sugar levels
The NHS recommends that people with diabetes with a sugar level over 28 mmols/L should seek emergency advice from their healthcare team or, during out-of-hours times, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Coping with diabetes and illness
To keep a track of how much your sugar levels are rising, it’s recommended to test your blood more often than usual.
Test for ketones
If you have type 1 diabetes, it is advisable to follow up any high blood sugar readings with a test for ketones.
- Read: Testing for ketones
Keep yourself well hydrated.
High blood glucose levels can lead to dehydration so make sure you are regularly drinking fluids to stay hydrated.
Keep eating
It may be tempting to not eat whilst unwell but this could lead to more ketones as the body may need to break down fat to make fuel.
If eating is difficult, or if you are vomiting and cannot keep food down, it is advisable to have drinks with carbohydrate in instead of meals.
If you self-manage your insulin, be careful with how much insulin you take.
Transcript
If your blood sugar rises without good reason and stays that way through the day, it could mean you’ve caught a cold or infection.
The body responds to infections by raising blood sugar, which can be problematic - as well as a surprise - for people with diabetes. It can be quite common for blood sugars to rise in this way even before the symptoms of illness come on.
If you have a blood glucose testing kit, then test your blood sugar more often than usual. Charity Diabetes UK advise people with type 1 diabetes to test for ketones if blood sugar level rise above 15 mmol/L to prevent a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis occurring.
It’s recommended to drink fluids regularly when ill to keep yourself hydrated.
If you take insulin it’s important you keep taking your insulin when ill. Diabetes UK say, if you’re having trouble keeping food down, it’s recommended to replace meals with drinks with carbohydrate in them, such as milk or sugary drinks, instead.
This will ensure you’re getting energy for your body. Some people will find they need to increase their insulin whilst they’re ill. If you’re unsure about anything, or struggling with your levels, contact your health team.
If blood sugars get too out of control and rise too high for too long, it can become dangerous. Laboured breathing, dehydration, vomiting and loss of consciousness can be symptoms of dangerously high blood sugar levels. If these symptoms occur with illness, seek medical advice.
As the illness passes, you should find your normal levels settle again.
If you’ve increased your insulin whilst you were ill, you may find you start to get low levels and hypos -so be ready to change your doses back to what they were before the illness.
Keep taking your diabetes medication
This is important for all types of diabetes even if you are finding it difficult to eat.
If you are unsure about how much to dose, contact your health team. If the illness is becoming a struggle or your sugar or ketone levels are rising too high, it is also best to contact your healthcare team for advice.
If your blood glucose or ketone levels are rising too high, or you are vomiting it is best to contact your healthcare team for advice.
Diabetes, illness and ketones
People with type 1 diabetes are more susceptible to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis (caused by very high sugar levels).
It is recommended to do a test for ketones if your blood sugar rises above 15 mmols/L.
This is usually a urine test but a few blood glucose meters allow for blood testing for ketones in a similar way as testing for sugar levels.
Managing blood sugar levels after illness
Blood glucose levels may take a few days to stabilise, even after you feel back to full health, so keep testing more often than usual until the blood sugar settles down.
Illness in children with diabetes
Whilst sugar levels have a tendency to rise during illness for most people with diabetes, children may find hypoglycemia occurs.
Regular testing is therefore strongly advised as is having a source of glucose for hypo treatment.
Explore Diabetes and Illness
Join the Diabetes Newsletter
