Concerns About Father-in-Law's Elevated Blood Sugar Level
I am a 21-year-old woman, and my in-laws are here visiting from abroad. They will be staying with us for another three weeks. My father-in-law, who is 67 and lives in Brazil, has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and he is prescribed Glifage XR 500 to help regulate his blood sugar without needing insulin. Unfortunately, he has run out of his medication and hasn't taken it for several weeks now. We've checked his blood sugar levels, and they are alarmingly high. Despite following a healthy diet, which excludes processed sugars and consists mainly of water, we are at a loss regarding treatment options. We’re seeking advice on how to assist him in managing this situation. As far as I know, we cannot use a prescription from another country in our location. I have come across travel insurance options, but they generally do not cover pre-existing health issues. Any suggestions or guidance on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 6:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your father-in-law's elevated blood sugar levels, especially given his diabetes and the discontinuation of his medication. Here’s how you can help him manage this situation.
Main Points:
- Elevated blood sugar levels can be serious, and immediate management is necessary.
- Finding alternative ways to secure his medication or equivalent treatment is crucial.
- Implementing dietary and lifestyle adjustments can help stabilize his blood sugar levels in the short term.
Explanation:
High blood sugar levels can lead to various complications, especially for someone with type 2 diabetes. Glifage XR (Metformin) is essential for regulating blood sugar, and not having access to it can worsen his condition. Since you mentioned that he has been following a healthy diet, that’s a great start, but medication or an alternative solution will significantly help manage his blood sugar more effectively.
Actionable Steps:
-
Contact Local Pharmacies:
- Directly inquire if they can provide a medication equivalent to Glifage XR without an international prescription, or check if he can start on a similar affordable option available over the counter.
-
Temporary Access to Medications:
- If you can't find Glifage, consult a local healthcare professional who may be able to prescribe a short-term medication for him based on his current condition. Many countries allow for temporary solutions when patients are traveling.
-
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels:
- Continue checking his blood sugar levels regularly. This will help track any changes and inform any potential healthcare providers about his condition.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and lean proteins. Limit carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars, and include healthy fats. Regular small meals can help manage blood sugar levels better.
-
Encourage Hydration and Light Exercise:
- Ensure he is drinking plenty of water, which can help reduce blood sugar levels. If he is physically able, encourage light physical activity, like walking, which can help lower blood glucose levels.
-
Document Symptoms:
- Keep a log of his symptoms and blood sugar readings. If he experiences symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision, it's essential to seek urgent medical attention.
Taking these immediate steps can help stabilize your father-in-law's blood sugar while navigating the challenges of medication access. It's important to act promptly, so consider testing any options for medication or healthcare as soon as possible.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!