Diabetes & Alzheimer’s Dementia

[1948]

Greetings Everyone

I am a 74year old male living in UK.

I have been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes approximately 7 years ago and taking tablet
type medication. My biggest problem is I cannot tell the difference between a hyper or hypo
anymore because I have Alzheimer’s Dementia.

Any advice appreciated

 

[Drummer]

Hello @1948 welcome to the forum
If you are taking tablets which could cause a hypo you should be provided with a meter to check your blood glucose levels to keep you safe - maybe your GP could sort out a meter and the strips for it on prescription for you.

It is not much use if you are given a meter and told you need to buy the strips, as that is the main expense.

 

[Inka]

I agree with Drummer. If you’re at risk of hypos, you’ll need to test to check and confirm your blood sugar. You might even want to look into the Libre 2 that has alarms for high and low sugar.

I also suggest you phone Diabetes U.K. (number at the top of the page) for advice and support.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Welcome to the forum @1948

Sorry to hear you are struggling to tell hypos from hypers.

Is it the symptoms and warning signs you find it tricky to tell apart? Or just the terminology and the words (which are confusingly similar after all!)

 

[1948]

Thanks everyupsanddowns for your reply…..yes it’s the signs and symptoms that I find very difficult to tell apart, having Alzheimer’s Dementia…I often go out without my monitor (memory problem)
Any advice appreciated

 

[Inka]

Then I wonder if you could get a Libre @1948 ? See my reply to you above.

What medication do you take for your diabetes?

 

[1948]

Hello Inka….the medication I take is as follows:

Metformin 1g twice a day
Sitagliptin 100mg tablets once a day
Empagliflozin 10mg tablets once a day

 

[1948]

I have just done a quick search on the internet, and it appears
that only people with type 1 diabetes can get this Libre 2.
Nothing mentioned for diabetics with type 2 and Alzheimer’s Dementia.

 

[Inka]

I have just done a quick search on the internet, and it appears
that only people with type 1 diabetes can get this Libre 2.
Nothing mentioned for diabetics with type 2 and Alzheimer’s Dementia.

That’s generally correct but I wonder if your special circumstances would allow you to get one. It would be worth asking. If you could afford it, you could pay for it yourself. Some Type 2s here do. It’s roughly £50 for 14 days.

Other than that, could your GP suggest ways that you can remember to test your blood sugar and take your glucose meter? You can’t be alone in what you’re dealing with.

 

[1948]

Thanks Inka…….I will shortly contact my GP today….kindest regards.

 

[1948]

I have now made a email request to my GP & Diabetic Nurse……

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thanks everyupsanddowns for your reply…..yes it’s the signs and symptoms that I find very difficult to tell apart, having Alzheimer’s Dementia…I often go out without my monitor (memory problem)
Any advice appreciated

Hypos are the more immediately concerning, and the greater risk to health in the short term. Hypers are more implicated for long-term damage over years of exposure to high levels.

There is a list of common hypo symptoms here

What is a hypo (hypoglycaemia)?

A hypo is when your blood sugar level, also called blood glucose level, drops too low. This is usually below 4mmol/l. A hypo, also called hypoglycaemia, can happen quickly. So it’s important to always have hypo treatments with you. It's also important to know what the signs are and how to treat...

www.diabetes.org.uk

But they often include things like extreme hunger, trembling, anxiety, tingling lips, weakness, extreme tiredness, visual disturbance, sweating and in extreme cases convulsions or unconsciousness.

Some people have more profound high BG symptoms than others, mostly I associate it with irritability, hunger, thirst, dry mouth, and a slight feeling of indigestion. After a while I’d get tiredness and increased need to urinate too.

Not sure if any of those sound familiar?

 

[1948]

I am going through a bad patch, just been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
Gleason score 3+4=7 (bilateral)…put on hormone manipulation drugs which will give me “male menopause“…..then surgery on 26th August, I am not totally depressed yet but heading in that direction. I have been getting more hypo very recently forgetting to eat, test, and eat Dextran sweets. Alzheimer’s and hormone manipulation drugs don’t mix. The hormone drugs are for 3 to 5 years duration. I feel like getting drunk, but will not…have to stay positive

Good luck and health to everyone…

 

[Inka]

Sorry to hear that @1948 Are you getting good support from your GP and/or nurse? I hope so. If you can try to focus on eating and avoiding hypos that would be good. I find low blood sugar affects my mood and thinking, and if I’m feeling down it just makes things worse.

Sending you my best wishes for good health after your surgery. The good thing is it was spotted and you’re getting treatment. Look after yourself.

 

[YaleseLing33]

As Inka said, Libre 2 can be really helpful for you. It would be best if you discussed this issue with your doctor. If you don't have that opportunity, call 0345 123 2399, and they can help you find a solution. My father was also diagnosed with diabetes when he was 23. He is 79 now and has progressive dementia, which causes him to forget to take the necessary medications. I had to move in with him to control the process. I hope you find a solution. Don't give up.