What is Brittle Diabetes?

Brittle Diabetes is a type of diabetes that is characterized by wide swings in blood glucose levels causing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. This type of diabetes is very difficult to control even if the patient follows their prescribed treatment. Brittle diabetes tends to occur when insulin levels fall to zero. Since there is not enough natural insulin to help with the swings in blood glucose.

This type of diabetes often limits patients to light work and work that does not expose them to the extreme environmental conditions such extreme heat or cold. If a patient’s blood glucose level is already unstable, they may have fluctuating symptoms. Because of this, medium and heavy work would probably be unsustainable.

Brittle Diabetes Signs

Brittle diabetes is an extremely difficult to control type of diabetes. People with brittle diabetes often experience the following symptoms:

• Unexpected yet frequent episodes of very high or very low blood sugar
• Unpredictable, sudden changes in blood glucose levels
• Higher chances of experiencing severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis

Development of Brittle Diabetes

Frequently, brittle diabetes is associated with stress and depression. Stress has the potential to cause acute and temporary insulin resistance. This means that the body does not respond normally to insulin. The frequency of this insulin resistance can change depending on the patient. Because of this it is challenging to judge how much insulin a patient should use per dose.

Brittle Diabetes Management

One of the main problems patients with brittle diabetes face is the unpredictable rise and fall in their sugar levels. A reduced carbohydrate diet can help reduce the wide swings in their blood glucose levels, making sharp rises and falls less likely and less frequent.

Technology has evolved to help patients control their diabetes. Insulin pumps, flash glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitors help give patients more opportunities to control their blood sugar levels more effectively.

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Our firm routinely works with complicated medical facts surrounding diabetes disability. We have helped many disabled people, who are unable to work because of diabetes, successfully appeal denials and secure the benefits they deserve. We communicate with treating doctors and experts, and challenge insurance company physicians and other experts who seek to further their own interests. Do not give up on your long-term disability claim. Call Mehr Fairbanks Trial Lawyers Toll Free Today at 800-249-3731.