Labile diabetes is a type of diabetes in which blood sugar levels drop and peak at alarming rates. Sometimes these fluctuations can be very extreme. Labile diabetes is more common in people with type-1 diabetes, but it can occur in type-2 diabetes as well. Certain medical conditions are linked to this type of diabetes. One of these conditions is delayed gastric emptying, which a delay in stomach emptying which interferes with the timing of carbohydrate absorption. Disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as problems with insulin absorption and drug interactions are also possible causes.
Psychological problems such as stress and depression carry the highest risk of labile diabetes. It is believed that these mental health problems cause them to neglect their treatment. With these blood sugar levels being uncontrolled, metabolic imbalances occur more and more frequently. At the same time, stresses from loss of employment, frequent hospital visits, and financial stresses contribute again to the stress and depression and the cycle continues.
Treatment of Labile Diabetes
This condition is reserved for people whose lives are disrupted by the instability of this disease. This includes people who are repeatedly hospitalized or the hospitalization has been prolonged. Labile diabetes is very rare. Less than 1% of insulin-dependent people are labile diabetics. Women between the ages of 15 and 30 which are overweight are most likely to have labile diabetes.
The approach to treatment varies for each individual case. It has been suggested that when this type of diabetes is diagnosed, it may be best to start with a new physician or health care team. An educational assessment should be given to evaluate whether the patient knows how to manage their diabetes correctly. Many people with labile diabetes have been found to have a communication disorder, so this evaluation is very beneficial. A psychological evaluation is warranted family counseling is often needed.
Structured hospital admission may be necessary in more severe cases. These hospital stays normally last for two or three weeks, so pre-hospital planning is important and insurance pre-certification is required. Early on the patient must be monitored closely by the hospital staff. They should also take charge of the diabetic care. As the patient’s stay persists, he or she can be allowed to become more involved in their own diabetic care gradually. Intensive diabetes educations should be given as well as ongoing psychological support, according to BoulderMedicalCenter.com.
