My sister has had Type 1 for 14 years - it 'hit' her at age 46. We have no history of diabetes in the family, and I'm feeling extremely worried right now.
Her husband (in the states) phoned me (UK) yesterday saying my sister is in intensive care in the hospital after being found unconscious on the floor of my condo. She has managed my townhome until I finally leave the UK next year. I don't know all that's happening, but she had severe hypoglycemia, was sedated, and has tubes in her mouth. Luckily no brain damage. I'll learn more later what the doctors are doing to stabilize her, but it seems quite serious as she's been in the ICU for three days. My sister had several previous episodes, but the paramedics who came to the house were able to wake her up with the glucagon injection kit.
I don't get along with the husband (of 3 years) but have to be civil as he updates me through emails. Melissa has always been anxious, dreads going to work as a psych nurse on night shift, and wants to quit after 30 years. When I mentioned to Gary this job is killing her and she should quit asap, he said that's Melissa's decision. And he thinks it's 'awesome' she's been working at this unit for so long. He's in La la land. Her shift can alter her regular rhythms, the blood sugar levels can be affected and lead to uncertain sleep times. Working her 12 hours, she's at an increased risk for insulin resistance, and can wreak havoc on blood glucose control. The emotional strains of shift work in an already stressful person can rise her blood glucose level sky high. Just in case I'm being too hard on Gary - he's Type 2, obese, and the doctor said if he doesn't lose weight, he may as well cut 15 years off his life. Did he shed any weight and exercise after this diagnosis? No. Had to vent.
Her husband (in the states) phoned me (UK) yesterday saying my sister is in intensive care in the hospital after being found unconscious on the floor of my condo. She has managed my townhome until I finally leave the UK next year. I don't know all that's happening, but she had severe hypoglycemia, was sedated, and has tubes in her mouth. Luckily no brain damage. I'll learn more later what the doctors are doing to stabilize her, but it seems quite serious as she's been in the ICU for three days. My sister had several previous episodes, but the paramedics who came to the house were able to wake her up with the glucagon injection kit.
I don't get along with the husband (of 3 years) but have to be civil as he updates me through emails. Melissa has always been anxious, dreads going to work as a psych nurse on night shift, and wants to quit after 30 years. When I mentioned to Gary this job is killing her and she should quit asap, he said that's Melissa's decision. And he thinks it's 'awesome' she's been working at this unit for so long. He's in La la land. Her shift can alter her regular rhythms, the blood sugar levels can be affected and lead to uncertain sleep times. Working her 12 hours, she's at an increased risk for insulin resistance, and can wreak havoc on blood glucose control. The emotional strains of shift work in an already stressful person can rise her blood glucose level sky high. Just in case I'm being too hard on Gary - he's Type 2, obese, and the doctor said if he doesn't lose weight, he may as well cut 15 years off his life. Did he shed any weight and exercise after this diagnosis? No. Had to vent.
