Question Category: Other

My grandson had a seizure in the middle of the night that scared us all. How do we prevent this from happening again? I cannot sleep, fear a repeat incident.

Can diabetes cause certain odors in the urine, such as a burnt rubber smell?

My 71 year old grandmother, who has had type 2 diabetes for about eight years, has been told that she cannot use an electric heating blanket, but no one can explain the reason why. I think if they tell you that you can’t use the heating blanket they should at least be able to tell the patient the reason. Why can’t my 71 year old grandmother use an electric heating blanket?

I am an extremely healthy, 33 year old who has had type 1 diabetes for eight years, and am very actively involved in athletics and outdoor activities. I have great control of my diabetes, and I am interested in participating in Survivor (the TV show). I understand that it would be extremely difficult, but I feel that I could do it. Do you see this as a possibility for me?

I am a 27 year old who has type 1 diabetes and painful neuropathy in my forearms. I want to get a tattoo on the lower part of my leg, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea. I don’t suffer from neuropathy pain in my legs or feet, just the upper part of my body.

My 13 year old daughter has had type 1 diabetes about five years, and just this past year has not had good control. In the last month or so, her hair has been falling out. Should I be concerned?

I bought some urine test strips which show no glucose in my urine, yet I am always thirsty and going to the bathroom a lot. Am I right in thinking that if the blood sugar level is below the renal threshold level for spilling glucose into the urine, then no excess thirst will result? Is this possibly diabetes or not? I know that everyone has a slightly different renal threshold, but what is an average value for when glucose starts spilling into the urine?

My three year old son, who has type 1 diabetes, developed a distinct odor (sweeter smelling like almond extract or something close to it) in his urine and body sweat for about a week last month, even though he repeatedly tested negative for ketones and all blood sugars were normal. Do you have any thoughts or suggestions?

My boyfriend does not know just how concerned I am about his diabetes. I want to ask him about it, but it’s a sensitive subject to him. He went to the doctor about a month ago who said he was in perfect health, but I am still concerned and want to learn more.

My problem is insomnia. As I lie awake in bed, I am sure to test my blood sugar to rule out a low. Outside of sleeplessness, caused by low blood glucose levels, is there a connection between diabetes and insomnia? Is there something I can do to get some sleep?