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Davenpot1 Asked March 2015

Mom is a long term type 2 diabetic, cirrhosis of the liver and now she has low blood sugar. Is this normal?

My mother is 82 and been a medicine controlled Diabetic for about 15 years she does not eat much and I have taken her off all diabetic medicine because I have a hard time keeping her blood sugar above 80 when she takes the medicine so with her doctors permission I don't give it to her unless it shoots up. She has been recently diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver. Don't know what stage yet because he has to go to a specialist and she has an HMO so I am waiting for the referral. Is this normal and if not what can I do in the mean time?

pamstegma Mar 2015
Maybe you should ask the MD to do a four hour glucose tolerance test to get a better idea what is going on with her.

Davenpot1 Mar 2015
Actually that is the funny part she was a little overweight when she fist was diagnosed but when my Dad died she lost all the extra weight and I kinda hoped then that her diabetes would get under control then, but nope she still had high blood sugar. the last time she was able to weigh ( she can't stand on her own anymore) she weighed 127 pounds and is 5'5 and most days it is low to normal but ever once and a while it shoots up and then I give her her medication.

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cwillie Mar 2015
You said in your other post she is not eating. It is important for a diabetic to have regular healthy meals. I preface this by saying I am not a health-care professional or a diabetic and only know what I learn on line. I would guess that your mom is overweight and that she has not been watching her diet these last 15 years. Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to fatty liver, which can lead to cirrhosis if not controlled. Rapid, unintentional weight loss in the elderly could be due to "failure to thrive". This can lead to frailty and falls and other related complications. Educate yourself as much as you can, web md and the mayo clinic are good sources of information on line. I think you need to start with getting her diabetes under control as you wait for the specialist's report. Insist on more guidance from your doctor. Perhaps she would benefit from a short stay in a rehab to help bring things under control?

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