Tooth infection and high numbers

[pippaandben]

I have had bad toothache all over weekend and managed to see dentist Monday. Infection under the crown of my only top right molar. Have been put on antibiotics, given pain killer regime. Have not been able to eat much - but them have not felt like it. Noticed my blood sugars had really jumped.. yesterday 13:50 24.2, 18.29 22.4 This morning 8.54 29.7, 10.26 23.4, 11.58 16.4. Each time I have given my usual correction dose and after 9pm last night have not eaten anything at all. Pain does seem almost completely under control.

Is it normal for infection to create this big a jump? Should I up my correction dose? Cannot contact my nurse as it is her day off on Wednesdays.

Am also waiting for a call to have a date/time for root canal filling and new crown which might even be next week if specialist agrees. Dread to think of the cost but tooth needs to be saved as only one molar on other side.

 

[Ljc]

Hi, sorry to hear about your tooth infection, the Antibiotics can take a few days to start showing improvements.
I hope things settle down quickly for you.

Infection or pain can can cause our BGs to go haywire and our usual correction doses may not be suitable.
You should find these sick day rules for insulin users helpful.

http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/PandV/PIL/Patient information leaflets/Sick day rules – multiple daily injections.pdf

 

[mikeyB]

The answer is yes, infections, particularly bacterial infections, can play havoc with your BGs. I’m afraid you’ll have to be chasing your BG till the infection settles down, but don’t worry, no permanent harm. 🙂

 

[Grannylorraine]

Yes infections can wreak havoc with those numbers. Hope your tooth infection starts to clear soon.

 

[pippaandben]

Thank you all for putting my mind at rest. I was beginning to think I would have to throw away my insulin and get an emergency prescription!!

 

[PhoebeC]

Yes both the infection and stress of the pain can lead to highs.

When I had that serve tooth infection last year my levels where mental! And it hurt to eat too so that didnt help.

Hope it clears up!

 

[pippaandben]

It took the full 7 days of the antibiotic for the pain to lessen so that pain killers only needed in evening. Another 2 for my levels to get back to normality (for me!). 8.7 this morning and a lovely meeting with the endodontic - root filling man - on Monday to look forward to. Beginning to wonder if the pain to my wallet is going to more than the pain of the tooth as it is an upper molar. Having to go private as no NHS patients accepted at the moment although I am on their waiting list. Been told should be another 3-4 months.

 

[Northerner]

It took the full 7 days of the antibiotic for the pain to lessen so that pain killers only needed in evening. Another 2 for my levels to get back to normality (for me!). 8.7 this morning and a lovely meeting with the endodontic - root filling man - on Monday to look forward to. Beginning to wonder if the pain to my wallet is going to more than the pain of the tooth as it is an upper molar. Having to go private as no NHS patients accepted at the moment although I am on their waiting list. Been told should be another 3-4 months.

Tooth problems can be so upsetting I hope that everything gets sorted soon {{{HUGS}}} Good to hear your levels are back to normal 🙂