Thread: Brother in ICU due to high blood sugar

Gee Sheyla I'm sorry this happened. I know how scary this is, both because he's your brother and its impact on your own blood sugar issues. I grew up with a type I insulin dependent sister and she ended up in your brother's condition (ICU) many a time. Very frightening. I pray he'll be better soon and not have to inject insulin.

Sheyla, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother being so ill. Blood glucoses of 888 is staggeringly high! I hope he's feeling better very soon. He'll probably get flooded with diebetic diet advice. Later, after things have settled down a bit, you may want to have him check Dr. Atkins' book about diabetes. Maggie's Review of Atkins Diabetes Revolution

I can highly recommend home blood glucose testing using a handheld glucometer*. It is very easy and so important, as it gives immediate feedback on whether the blood glucose is too high or two low. That gives the diabetic a chance to take corrective action early, before blood glucose levels get too whacked. I used to test my diabetic cat several times a day.

I did a lot of investigation and testing of different glucometers. Based on my tests, I especially recommend using the Bayer Ascencia glucometer or the One Touch Ultra glucometer. They are both very accurate and use very, very small blood samples. The Freestyle meter, unfortunately, is very inaccurate for higher blood glucose levels - it can under report by 200+ points. IMO, it shouldn't even be on the market. My test data is available, if interested.

Sheyla - wow - you and your family have been through a lot lately. How are you doing with all this? It is frightening when a loved one is in such serious condition.

I'm shocked the hospital gave him a sandwich on white bread. Even if they don't believe in lc (the more I hear- more and more doctors do- thank God) you would think they would opt for whole wheat.

You will be able to support your brother much. My brother has type II and is on meds. I haven't asked him if he is eating lc yet. Will see him Thanksgiving - perhaps we'll talk then.
I'm praying for your brother, you and your family.
Karen

Sheyla, those numbers are horrific! I'm so glad he got medical help when he did! A gallon of juice a day is alot, obviously. I'm sure with the help of you and the counselor, he will be able to come up with an eating plan to help reverse his condition. I have a cousin who is extremely overweight and diabetic. He won't listen to anyone about eating low carb. He just doesn't eat right. Diabetes can be very scary if it's not dealt with correctly. Take care and let us know how your brother is doing.

Sheyla, glad you found this WOE as well. Sorry to hear about your brother. Thank God he got to the hospital when he did.

I had a good friend that was diabetic that drank a gallon of milk a day thinking that was ok. No matter what I said he wouldn't listen. Finally the doctor told him to stop or not be around to see the grandkids. He has gotten better but still won't take responsibility for all his problems.

I hope your brother sees what might happen and takes better care of himself. Perhaps one day he'll come to you and ask you about your WOE. It probably has saved you life or at least your health with your family history.

Hi Sheyla, I am glad your brother got to the hospital on time and am certainly praying he won't need the insulin on a daily basis. I think Teelbee is right, after the shock of the diagnosis wears off and he's had a chance to digest all the advice he's sure to be given, a good look at this woe may work for him
Good luck and be sure to let us know how he's doing.

Sheyla, as everyone has said, Thank God he got to the hospital. And Thank God you will be around after he gets stabilized, to guide him. My husband was hospitalized when first diagnosed, too, but not ICU. His doctor at the time was not very "up" on diabetes. I can't stress this enough . . . make sure his doctor is well versed in diabetes and it's treatment.

My husband, type II, just recently started a modified low carb plan. He does not need to lose weight, but does need to control his blood sugar. After not monitoring his BG's for years, he finally got a glucometer (Teel, I'll have to check what brand) and just by switching to low carb bread and milk, he was able to decrease some of his meds.

this will be an ongoing journey. Please let us know how he is doing.

Wow, Sheyla, sorry to hear about your brother. Its great to hear that he could possibly be coming home tomorrow and it sounds like he's ready to do whats necessary to adjust his eating habits.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

I'm glad to hear his condition is improving, and I hope he's out of ICU and in a regular room now.

It sounds like he's motivated to change his diet, which is very good. Low carb vegetarian is probably possible, though it seems very difficult to me. I presume he realizes that many vegetarian staple dishes are very high carb?

Sheyla, hopefully your bro will go see your sis's doctor. I have found that Boca Burgers and MorningStar burgers are pretty low carb and vegetarian. I have a Morningstar box right in front of me here. Here's their stats:
Seving size=1 burger
Cals: 130
Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sodium: 320 mg
Potassium: 250 mg
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Net carbs: 4g
Sugars: 2g
protein: 11g
What I have on hand is the "Tomato & Basil Pizza Burger".............quite tastey!!!! Think I'll have one for lunch. I simply fry one up in a bit of olive oil. They are REALLY great with a bit of mozzarella cheese melted on top, if he eats cheese.

Can you get him to look up posts here on the website? He's got to do his OWN research. He needs to educate himself!!!!!!! Remember, Knowledge is POWER!!!!!!!!!

And don't forget, we have a Diabetic Forum here: Diabetic Forum