Diabetes symptoms at the End of Life
When dealing with patients with diabetes towards the end of their lives, our aim is to ensure that the patient remains as comfortable as possible instead of keeping blood sugar levels within the desired range.
Although some patients are admitted for being diagnosed with diabetes like most disease, most patients are admitted because the condition is co-morbidity. The patient has diabetes but has other life-limiting illnesses and other diseases.
It’s still important that as a caregiver for your family, you are aware of the symptoms and signs of diabetes at the end of life, as well as the possible complications that could arise.
What are the indicators of the end-of-life of someone who has diabetes?
End-of-life diabetes could lead to numerous life-threatening complications; however, identifying the symptoms of low and high levels of blood glucose (blood sugars) will help prevent these issues. You can recognize any of the following signs of end-of-life diabetes indicators.
A sign of high blood glucose (sugar) are:
- frequent use of the bathroom
- an increase in the degree of drowsiness
- Infections
- an increase in thirst
- an increase in food cravings
- Itching
- weight loss
- fatigue
- Numbness in the fingers/toes
- wounds that take a long time to heal
A sign of low blood glucose (sugar) include:
- Anxious or irritable
- Sweating and shaking
- Paleness
- Palpitations
- Vision blurred
- Sweating
Tips for dealing with end-of-life Diabetes symptoms.
The ability to keep blood glucose levels within the desired limit can be difficult at this stage and, therefore, isn’t as much of a concern when it comes to the time of death. Instead, you’ll want to concentrate on the patient’s comfort and do your best to treat the immediate signs of diabetes and the secondary and co-morbidities instead of worrying about maintaining blood sugar levels within a set limit.
What can you do for the person you love dearly?
Being there for your loved ones during their times in need is among the most important actions you can take. Sometimes just being a supportive presence for your loved ones is sufficient. As a caregiver for the family, you should also be sure you are aware of the symptoms of diabetes at its end and notify your loved one’s medical providers.