Question:
My father recently became insulin dependent after taking a steroid shot for
his shoulder. It has slowly gotten under control and we are wondering what
the minimum blood sugar count should be. At the present time he is
checking it 4 times per day with set limits as to when to take more shots
other than the before breakfast and supper. My brother and his wife were
present at the doctors, and the question recently arose between my wife and
myself. We know it shouldn't go below 70 and Dad is happy when it is in
the 90's because he knows he doesn't have to take any extra shots. As dad
lives nearer to us than my brother we would like to know how low is the
safest it should be at.
Answer:
Whether the lowest safe level is defined as down to 70 or down to 90 is
really not terribly important: the more important concern at the low end is
whether your father is frequently becoming symptomatic of low blood sugar
(sweaty, shaky, grouchy, and decreased concentration), which might lead to
serious problems (if he had an insulin reaction while driving, for
example). In general, with elderly patients we usually aim to keep the
blood sugar safely above 90, as insulin reactions can be so serious to the
elderly. Tell your dad to discuss what's safe for him with his doctor (and
then to let all the kids know what was decided!).
WWQ
Original posting 30 Mar 97
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