[24M] Experiencing severe blood sugar spike and gastrointestinal issues

Patient Description

A 24-year-old male with a history of type 1 diabetes, neuropathy, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is experiencing an acute and severe blood sugar spike, with levels rising from 266 to over 400 within 20 minutes despite administering insulin. The patient reports extreme nausea without vomiting, which is a new symptom, and has ongoing gastrointestinal issues including gassiness, bloating, and abdominal pain for over two years. The abdominal pain is described as a swelling sensation with occasional crampy and sharp pains, rated as a 5 out of 10 in severity, and is typically worse after meals, leading to diarrhea. The patient manages his diabetes with an insulin pump, delivering approximately 40 units of NovoLog insulin per day, and has not taken any other medications for years. No recent travel history, allergies, or adverse reactions to medications have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, you are experiencing a severe spike in blood sugar levels, extreme nausea, and ongoing stomach issues including gassiness, bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. As a person with type 1 diabetes, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and neuropathy, these symptoms could be related to your existing conditions or could indicate a new issue. Here are some possibilities:

  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when your body has low insulin levels. It can cause high blood sugar levels, nausea, abdominal pain, and fruity-smelling breath. However, you did not mention having a fruity breath odor.

    • Treatment typically involves insulin therapy and fluid and electrolyte replacement.
  • Gastroparesis: This is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. It is often caused by damage to the vagus nerve, which controls the digestive system. A complication of diabetes is neuropathy, which can damage this nerve.

    • Treatment typically involves dietary changes, medication to stimulate the stomach muscles, and, in severe cases, feeding tubes and intravenous feeding.
  • Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency (PEI): You mentioned that you have been diagnosed with this condition. PEI can cause digestive problems because the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down food. Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

    • Treatment typically involves pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which helps the body absorb more nutrients from food.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. High blood sugar levels, especially over 400, can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately.

In the meantime, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Continue monitoring your blood sugar levels closely.
  2. Try to stay hydrated. This can help to prevent further complications.
  3. Avoid eating or drinking anything that could potentially worsen your symptoms until you can see a doctor.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion or difficulty staying awake
  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

People Also Ask


What could cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels in someone with type 1 diabetes?

A sudden spike in blood sugar levels in someone with type 1 diabetes can be caused by several factors, including missed insulin doses, illness or infection, stress, or consuming a large amount of carbohydrates. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult with a healthcare provider if spikes occur frequently.


How does gastroparesis affect people with diabetes, and what are its symptoms?

Gastroparesis affects people with diabetes by slowing down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. It is often caused by damage to the vagus nerve due to high blood sugar levels over time.


What is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and how is it treated?

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PEI) is a condition where the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), which helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption.


What are the warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) that require immediate medical attention?

Warning signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include high blood sugar levels, fruity-smelling breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as DKA can be life-threatening.


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