I'm 68 and have Type 1 Diabetes. I'm on insulin and have a controlled lifestyle. I go for a brisk walk daily (30-45 minutes) for last 15 years. I'm a banker weighing 57 kg with a height of 5"8. I have hypothyroidism as well. I have had few falls due to which I broke both my arms and underwent surgeries. Despite consulting my doctor the cause of repeated tendencies to fall was not found. At times it was attributed to hypoglycemia, orthostatic hypotension or hypothyroidism. I would like to know the reason behind the falls so that I can prevent further recurrences and others can learn.We understand your anxiety regarding recurrent falls. As you mentioned we need to rule out hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level). The cause of recurrent falls could be one of the following:Long duration of Diabetes can affect the nerves and lead to autonomic neuropathy which can lead to orthostatic hypotension (a condition in which blood pressure is normal while you are sitting or lying and falls as you stand). In addition, there are tests which can diagnose this.If there is component of diabetic retinopathy which affects vision it can lead to falls. This condition can be diagnosed by fundus examination and perimetry.Diabetic neuropathy can make your feet insensate (lack of sensation) and this might lead to disturbed balance or coordination and subsequent gait disorder and falls. Inappropriate footwear can also be a reason for recurrent falls though it may be less likely in your caseMuscle weakness can also lead to falls. To check whether you suffer from this the doctor will do some clinical tests.Our body's balance is controlled by the cerebellum (part of the brain) so if there is inadequate blood supply to it or any other disease that affects the cerebellum, issues like imbalance and falls can arise. To test this MRI brain + angio is required.In conclusion, we need to check your blood sugar, blood pressure on lying down and 3 minute after standing, neurological evaluation and fundus (eye) examination, podiatry (foot) examination along with musculoskeletal examination of lower limb. It is best to consult a physician for further guidance.- Dr Sudeep Jain Consulting Diabetologist
I'm 68 and have Type 1 Diabetes. I'm on insulin and have a controlled lifestyle. I go for a brisk walk daily (30-45 minutes) for last 15 years. I'm a banker weighing 57 kg with a height of 5"8. I have hypothyroidism as well. I have had few falls due to which I broke both my arms and underwent surgeries. Despite consulting my doctor the cause of repeated tendencies to fall was not found. At times it was attributed to hypoglycemia, orthostatic hypotension or hypothyroidism. I would like to know the reason behind the falls so that I can prevent further recurrences and others can learn.We understand your anxiety regarding recurrent falls. As you mentioned we need to rule out hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level). The cause of recurrent falls could be one of the following:Long duration of Diabetes can affect the nerves and lead to autonomic neuropathy which can lead to orthostatic hypotension (a condition in which blood pressure is normal while you are sitting or lying and falls as you stand). In addition, there are tests which can diagnose this.If there is component of diabetic retinopathy which affects vision it can lead to falls. This condition can be diagnosed by fundus examination and perimetry.Diabetic neuropathy can make your feet insensate (lack of sensation) and this might lead to disturbed balance or coordination and subsequent gait disorder and falls. Inappropriate footwear can also be a reason for recurrent falls though it may be less likely in your caseMuscle weakness can also lead to falls. To check whether you suffer from this the doctor will do some clinical tests.Our body's balance is controlled by the cerebellum (part of the brain) so if there is inadequate blood supply to it or any other disease that affects the cerebellum, issues like imbalance and falls can arise. To test this MRI brain + angio is required.In conclusion, we need to check your blood sugar, blood pressure on lying down and 3 minute after standing, neurological evaluation and fundus (eye) examination, podiatry (foot) examination along with musculoskeletal examination of lower limb. It is best to consult a physician for further guidance.- Dr Sudeep Jain Consulting Diabetologist
