June 06, 2006
Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I have had type 1 diabetes for eight years, and my blood glucose level is always high (mostly more than 200 mg/dL [11.1 mmol/L]). Two years ago, I had stomach pain, went to the hospital, and the result was diabetic ketoacidosis. Now I have the same symptoms (heartburn, stomach pain, weakness, etc.). What do I have to do?Answer
Having blood glucose levels that are continuously above 200 in a patient with a history of DKA is simply not acceptable. If your physician is unable to come up with advice to help you improve the glucose levels and identify the cause of your present symptoms, you need to be under the care of a diabetes team which includes a diabetes physician, nurse educator, and dietitian. Ask your present physician for a referral.
