HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Are Insulin Shots Given When Suffering From Pulmonary Embolism?

My dad is in the hospital for a pulmonary embolism. He is now getting accu checks and insulin coverage for blood sugar over 200. He has never been diagnosed with diabetes so why are they suddenly checking and giving him insulin. The highest it has been in three days is 227. Just not sure why he is being treated for that. Does it have to do with the heparin and Coumadin?
Tue, 16 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist 's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
Pulmonary embolism is life threatening condition.
And in any such conditions or severe infection glucose levels tend to fluctuate alot. So it is not recommended to use oral glucose lowering drugs. So insulin is preferred.
Because action of insulin is immediate so better to control sugar spikes and avoid delayed hypoglycaemia.
And high sugar levels are not due to heparin or coumadin. So no need to worry for this.
No harm in insulin injection for high sugar levels.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Are Insulin Shots Given When Suffering From Pulmonary Embolism?

Thanks for your question on HCM. Pulmonary embolism is life threatening condition. And in any such conditions or severe infection glucose levels tend to fluctuate alot. So it is not recommended to use oral glucose lowering drugs. So insulin is preferred. Because action of insulin is immediate so better to control sugar spikes and avoid delayed hypoglycaemia. And high sugar levels are not due to heparin or coumadin. So no need to worry for this. No harm in insulin injection for high sugar levels.