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June 11, 2002

Other Illnesses

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Question from Durant, Oklahoma, USA:

My mother, who has had type 1 diabetes for more than 10 years, was recently admitted into the hospital with shortness of breath, nausea, back pain, rales, and fluid overload. However, the only treatment the cardiologist has recommended is taking her off all of her medications except her insulin and beginning dramatic diuretic intervention. She isn’t even being treated with any ACE inhibitors. I am greatly concerned due to her diabetes and her age.

Over the last 24 hours, she has had several bouts of rales and is very weak. Are my fears justified? Her doctor assures me that everything is okay, but in the pit of my stomach, I feel we are heading into a very serious situation here.

She has had mild congestive heart failure in the past, her general practitioner never has put her on any heart medication, and I know heart failure is the number one cause of death in women as well as a dangerous situation for someone with diabetes. Presently she is not in ICU. Should I intervene and have her transferred to a cardiac care unit versus a hospital that only has a ICU unit?

My mother is the type that never complains, yet she has never had these symptoms before, and I fear they are a danger sign. She has had an echocardiogram and blood tests, yet I am very worried.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

You are correct in assuming that congestive heart failure has a worse outcome in patients with diabetes. I would also worry about whether she has had a silent heart attack since this is common in patients with diabetes, due to nerve involvement. I would also agree with you that ACE inhibitors are an important in the treatment of heart failure. Diuretics alone are not enough in many patients. Are there other reasons why she could not be treated with an ACE inhibitor?

Your questions are good ones which I would address to the cardiologist. I think they are very much right on target. I am afraid I cannot tell you to switch her care. You will have to make your mind up about that.

JTL