Ketones or coronavirus

[Dandubs]

Morning.
Diagnosed just over a year ago with late onset T1 but I haven't been managing it at all well for a long time, Not testing at all. Found myself short of breath on and off since January but with various coughs and colds, put it down to that. Finally did a ketone check on Thursday with my last testing strip and it was 2.6. I expect BS readings have been in the 20's for months as I have been inconsistently just injecting what the diabetic nurse told me to as my starting dose.
Breathing feels like I've been out running (something I haven't done for decades) on a cold day.
Blood sugars back under control now, drinking plenty of water. Blood pressure is perfect but SOB persists when not at rest. Also have a new, dry occasional cough.
Will get more test strips tomorrow to check ketone levels but my question is how long before SOB should alleviate once ketones are back to normal?

 

[Kaylz]

Well a new cough would mean you now need to self isolate and get some other way to get strips and call 111 for advice, you should've went to hospital with ketones as high as 2.6 as it is as that's highly dangerous xx

 

[Inka]

I agree with @Kaylz that the dry cough needs to be treated as Covid 19 and you need to follow the self-isolation guidelines (it might not be Covid, of course, but everyone with such symptoms should treat it as such).

What’s your blood sugar now? Are you continuing to check for ketones? I think you’re dealing with two interconnected things here, and the fact you’re getting your blood sugar under control can only help. I’d do extra blood sugar tests as things can change quickly during any illness.

The breathlessness is something to watch, and I’d consider seeking medical advice for that. If your ketones persist, then I’d also seek advice for that alone whether your breathlessness is an issue or not.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hello @Dandubs

This sounds very concerning. High ketones and intermittent insulin doses put you at significant risk of DKA, and shortness of breath/laboured breathing can be a symptom.

Glad you have got your BGs back under control, and please do keep drinking fluids and keep a close eye on things.

If you aren’t already familiar, pleas follow ‘sick day rules’ in times of illness.

Sickday rules pdf

Sick day rules flowchart from Leicester diabetes centre. Particularly useful for people with Type 1 Diabetes during the Coronavirus outbreak.

www.t1resources.uk

The complication of glucose regulation in the face of illness is the main reason for people with T1 diabetes (and LADA I would think) being on the ‘vulnerable’ list for Covid-19 I believe.

Hopefully you won’t have a fever, or develop Coronavirus, but please be careful and look after yourself. If in any doubt, call 111 and get their advice.

 

[Kaylz]

Are you continuing to check for ketones?

From what they said the ketone strip they used the other day was their last one and they were going to get some tomorrow meaning they wouldn't have checked since Thursday xx

 

[Dandubs]

Thank you for the replies. Sugars are now in range, between 5 and 10. I have someone who can pick up more ketone testing strips tomorrow.

 

[Dandubs]

Hi all. Thank you again for your advice and concern. Measured ketones today, back in range. BG's also completely under control. Breathlessness a little better today but GP suspects coronavirus so have been told to self isolate.

 

[Inka]

At least your ketones are ok. I hope you feel better soon @Dandubs

Look after yourself and take care.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hi all. Thank you again for your advice and concern. Measured ketones today, back in range. BG's also completely under control. Breathlessness a little better today but GP suspects coronavirus so have been told to self isolate.

Glad your ketones are back under control @Dandubs

Hope the Coronavirus doesn’t affect you too badly and the self isolation doesn’t cause you any major practical problems.