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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Type 2 Diabetic, Fainted. Was Taking Prednisone For Swelling In Knees. Blood Sugar High. Cause For Fainting?

My 82 year old father who is Type 2 diabetic, but non- insulin dependent, fainted outside yesterday, mid day, after gardening. He doesn t remember anything. He was recently put on prednisone for sore/ swelling in the knees. His blood sugar that night, after eating, was 400. this morning it was back down to normal (for him), about 150. What may have caused the fainting?
Sun, 24 Jun 2012
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello there,

Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can cause fainting attacks. In his case , it is possible that he could have had a hyperglycemic attack as he is also on prednisone(steroid) and steroids are known to cause an increase in blood sugar levels.

How is your father's Blood pressure? Is he hypertensive? If yes,high BP could be another cause of fainting.Low BP/Postural hypotension can also cause fainting.
Cardiac conditions can also cause fainting.

Or it could be a vasovagal syncope which happens while standing for prolonged period under the hot sun.

Most likely, cause is hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels ) as his blood sugar levels were 400 at the time.

Please consult his physician as his medication dosage may have to be adjusted and he needs a throrough cardiac evaluation .

Hope I have answered your question.

Have a nice day :)

Regards,

Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
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Type 2 Diabetic, Fainted. Was Taking Prednisone For Swelling In Knees. Blood Sugar High. Cause For Fainting?

Hello there, Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can cause fainting attacks. In his case , it is possible that he could have had a hyperglycemic attack as he is also on prednisone(steroid) and steroids are known to cause an increase in blood sugar levels. How is your father s Blood pressure? Is he hypertensive? If yes,high BP could be another cause of fainting.Low BP/Postural hypotension can also cause fainting. Cardiac conditions can also cause fainting. Or it could be a vasovagal syncope which happens while standing for prolonged period under the hot sun. Most likely, cause is hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels ) as his blood sugar levels were 400 at the time. Please consult his physician as his medication dosage may have to be adjusted and he needs a throrough cardiac evaluation . Hope I have answered your question. Have a nice day :) Regards, Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan