[Rucorgi]

My brother has had type 2 diabetes since the age of 13
(1980). Recently he's been having problems. A heart attack, a stroke, and losing his ability to work as a result. He's been very depressed over it all. Last night he was admitted to the hospital with a blood sugar level of 1720. I've been looking all over, but I can not find a way to search out what type of effects this is going to have on him. I am worried that more trouble is coming from this. Is there immediate damage from such a high blood sugar level?

[RobiJo]

Originally Posted by Rucorgi

My brother has had type 2 diabetes since the age of 13
(1980). Recently he's been having problems. A heart attack, a stroke, and losing his ability to work as a result. He's been very depressed over it all. Last night he was admitted to the hospital with a blood sugar level of 1720. I've been looking all over, but I can not find a way to search out what type of effects this is going to have on him. I am worried that more trouble is coming from this. Is there immediate damage from such a high blood sugar level?

I think prehaps you have your types mixed up. Sounds like he is type 1.
Unfortunately he has to be willing to help himself. It is well of you to be concerned, because he's put himself in a dangerous situation. You can just be there for support and encouragement but at his age, he must be willing to do it himself. Try to get him to a counselor/therapist would can speak with him about the emotional side. He will likely begin to have eye problems if he hasn't already. Having D for that long and as you make it sound...eye problems are inevitable.

[xMenace]

Welcome

That's and extreme extreme level. I hope he comes through ok. If he does, I don't know of any other immediate effects.

dLife.com - Blood Sugar Management Highs And Lows

High Blood Sugar Emergencies (DKA or HHNS)

Extremely high blood glucose levels can lead to one of two conditions — diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic syndrome (HHNS; also called hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma). Although both syndromes can occur in either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, DKA is more common in type 1 and HHNS is more common in type 2.

dLife.com - Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

dLife.com - Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

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By the little you've provided, and I'm assuming a lot, it sounds like your brother has been in denial perhaps from the get go, and really needs to turn it around. The shopping list of things he needs to do is probably long, but number one is for him to get serious about his control and number two is to work with a good endocrinologist.

[Rucorgi]

Yes, sorry, he's type one -juvenile. He's normally very good about watching out for himself. I am worried that he's not taking care of it at this point because he's so depressed. He has talked of suicide and I worry that this might be his way. And this brings us back to what both of you wrote. He has to take care of himself, and all I can do is help give him reasons to do so..... Your prompt and helpful respones have convinced me of one thing. He needs a computer. He needs to, I don't know, 'plug in' to a community that understands what he's going through. He's my favorite person in the world and I love him dearly, but there's no way I can ever truly feel what he does. He knows it. I think if he could have intelligent people like you to talk to, to be helped by, and help in turn, it would give him a big push. He's still not fully concious, but he's starting to drift in on occasion. Thank you, sincerely.

[Jan B]

I sure hope your brother is going to be ok. I've never heard of such a high blood sugar level. I hope you can convince him to come to this forum and talk to us. It's good he's in the hospital. Severe depression sure can hurt the control. I wish you well.

[Kim_in_TN]

Prayers for your brother, it sounds like he is in a very serious condition right now! I do hope that he will be able to get online with us here in the future! This community is very close, supportive and informative!

[Rucorgi]

FYI; He's concious today, and his sugar is under control. They found his stomach is bleeding and suspect that may have something to do with it. I sure hope so. I never thought I would be happy to hear my brother may have a bleeding ulcer, but it sure made me happy. ... I was very down last night, and just communicating with a few good people who understand my brothers condition helped me. My nephew and I are going to build my brother a computer, so the next time you hear from a Ridgway it will be the smart one ;-D Thanks for the hospitality, and good luck in all of your days.

[xMenace]

Great news! Thanks.

[jakesfnm]

I'm not sure what type of care your brother has sought and received. And I'm new to giving diabetes advice. I do have experience with family members with mental illness. In many families, it's a stigma, and people just don't talk about it. Your brother may or may not be clinically depressed. If he is and he's not taking care of himself, if he is "a danger to himself..." it may be wise to find out what your state laws are re: what you can do and what steps you can take. Often, you won't be able to do much, but it's worth checking out. Good luck.

[Isometric]

Good gracious - 1720! That he survived at all is a small miracle! I'll add my prayers for his recovery, both mentally and physically.

[davef]

Glad to hear your brother is improving. It was good of you to go looking for information. You found a great source of information when you found this forum.

Do suggest to your brother that he joins us here, I'm sure he would like the forums.