Where to start (again)

[murrayjohn]

Hi, I have been type two for about twenty years, with bad lows of below 4. Last November I had septic shock, and ever since the lows have stopped, but instead my fasting level is rarely below 15 mmol. At its worst it is over 24. I am having to go through the log values in a diary etc again. I couldn't take metformin or gyclizides. Latest thoughts are on some form of insulin. Any thoughts on why septic shock could alter things so much? Unfortunately exercise is a non starter as my wife and I are physically disabled, and cant walk much above twenty feet or so.
Thanks john

 

[catherinecherub]

I don't have an explanation for you @murrayjohn but am going to tag @eddie1968 who has had sepsis and he may be able to help.

 

[eddie1968]

Welcome @murrayjohn. Similar story to yours with high FBG levels. I was deemed unsuitable for Metformin due to losing over half my colon due to gangrene and had a colostomy for 3 years. Even max does of Gliclazide didn't affect them much. It took 10-12 months for me last time to recover from my month long ICU stay from another sepsis event due to Acute Respiratory Failure. My GP and Consultants said my lack of mobility and physical + mental stress post illness would result in higher FBGs. I have been on insulin for two years now and has been a big success. I like it as I have had better control and it doesn't interact with other medications I am on. You and me are just unlucky to fall into the "prone to infection due to diabetes" group. Discuss all your options and I know it is hard but you need patience. Wishing you a full recovery.

Edward.

 

[murrayjohn]

Welcome @murrayjohn. Similar story to yours with high FBG levels. I was deemed unsuitable for Metformin due to losing over half my colon due to gangrene and had a colostomy for 3 years. Even max does of Gliclazide didn't affect them much. It took 10-12 months for me last time to recover from my month long ICU stay from another sepsis event due to Acute Respiratory Failure. My GP and Consultants said my lack of mobility and physical + mental stress post illness would result in higher FBGs. I have been on insulin for two years now and has been a big success. I like it as I have had better control and it doesn't interact with other medications I am on. You and me are just unlucky to fall into the "prone to infection due to diabetes" group. Discuss all your options and I know it is hard but you need patience. Wishing you a full recovery.

Edward.

Hi Edward, thanks for your help, and sorry to hear you've also been 'through the mill'. I'm hoping that given some treatment I might regain a little energy, and not feel so lethargic all the time. Metformin does seem to cause problems for some people, I was actually on it pre-sepsis but now I have a bad reaction to it! I get to speak to my specialist this week again hopefully so fingers crossed.
Thanks again,
john

 

[eddie1968]

Hi @murrayjohn yes - I've been through the mill - but what a wonderful outlook on life I have now. If I can defeat death twice then what else is achievable ? The skies the limit ! The new found positive attitude I have has provided me with a complete new outlook on life. Been there - seen the grim reaper twice and I feel really confident about life now. If you can grab that same moment of hope - you will know what I am talking about, I bet you have been tearful and upset about "surviving" and living it all over in your mind again and again, only people who have been near death have experienced it. It's like PTSD from a "good" outcome (you survived). You know exactly what I am talking about and only those who have survived critical illness know it. I really wish you all the best and be positive and very patient for the future. Speedy recovery mate and the best to your Missus too !

Best of luck
Edward

 

[Catlady19]

Any thoughts on why septic shock could alter things so much?

Unfortunately, when your body is unwell or under trauma or shock, your body's way of coping is to send extra glucose in to repair you, which in turn makes your BG go up:
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-and-illness.html
Mine goes up quite a bit just with a cold so I should image septic shock would make it worse! Hope you feel better soon.