Headaches

[Katy83]

Good afternoon,

since being diagnosed with diabetes I've been getting really bad headaches like unbearable at times. I've seen the doctor who put it down to migraines and gave me migraine tablets that basically don't work. I feel the only thing that does is ibuprofen tbh. I asked my DSN if there would be any link and he said no?

can severe headaches be linked to diabetes? There so painful feel like I'm getting nowhere regarding them to be honest

 

[Inka]

Could they be linked to stress and tension @Katy83 ? Another thought is dehydration if your blood sugar was or is high?

I find paracetamol good for normal headaches, a long-lasting ibuprofen formula for tension headaches, and Migraleve for migraines.

 

[grovesy]

When I was on Gliclazide I had number of migraine type headaches with hypos.

 

[Katy83]

I'm not too sure. Doctor just gave me migraine tablets and they didn't really work as well as the ibuprofen.
I could literally wake up with a headache in the morning but it's all day everyday sometimes and I'm finding it hard to actually deal with it lol painful I was wondering if there was any connection with diabetes

 

[Inka]

No, only if you’re dehydrated or have a hypo. What migraine tablets did the doctor give you?

 

[Katy83]

Sumatriptan?

 

[Inka]

I think thats different from Migraleve. If they’re not working, you could try the pink Migraleve which usually stops an attack if you take it early enough.

But if you’ve only just developed these migraines, I’d think tension headaches is also a big possibility. In case you’re thinking they sound mild, they can be excruciating.

 

[Inka]

Another possibility is nocturnal hypos if you’re waking with a headache. I think you’re on insulin? Hypo headaches are painful and can last a long time.

 

[Spozkins]

I've always had headaches (but I've also always had diabetes) but I can tell you when my control is better I have less headaches. I think the effect of blood glucose changing quickly too often can cause headaches or hypo/hypers. But if you have good control then I probably wouldn't blame the diabetes first.

I've found a mixture of things give me headaches that I wouldn't expect, but sometimes it's not always possible to trace. Maybe you could keep a diary to see if there are any specific triggers?l, diabetes or nor?

 

[rebrascora]

My migraine problem which had got to the point that it took me out for a day about once a month and I was vomiting and sometimes passing out whilst I was vomiting, stopped when I developed diabetes. Of course I changed my diet significantly at the same time, so it could well be linked to following a low carb diet rather than the diabetes itself, but I can now drink a glass or two of wine (even red) which was my only known trigger and not have a problem. It is over 2 years and not a single migraine in that time and I had suffered them for 20+ years.
If you are not affected by the light I would say it is unlikely to be migraine as I think most people want to cover their eyes or lie down in a dark room. I know I couldn't bear any light and would place a folded wet flannel over my eyes even with the curtains closed to block the light and sooth me a little.

Of course everyone is different but I would be looking for alternative causes than migraine and perhaps pushing for more tests if they are so excruciating and particularly if they are as frequent as that. Maybe try a head and neck massage to see if that will help to alleviate any tension/stress and make a difference first. before going back to GP.