Concerns About My Brother's Diabetes Symptoms and Medication

Question #26558

45 days ago

128

Concerns About My Brother's Diabetes Symptoms and Medication - #26558

Client_f95f32

Hi I need medical advice. My brother has been exhibiting symptoms of weight loss, excessive thirst, hunger, and frequent urination. We measured his HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) at 11.8 and his regular blood sugar at 450. Without consulting a doctor, we prescribed a 1000mg tablet of a diabetes medication and measured his blood sugar two hours later at 150. This was in the morning. In the evening, we measured it again; it was 160 before eating. He took another tablet, and two hours after eating, it was 112. Today, we measured it before eating; it was 160. He has now taken a 500mg tablet, and we are waiting two hours to measure it again. Is this normal? What should we do? Is he confirmed to have diabetes, or is there still hope that he doesn't?

How long has your brother been experiencing these symptoms?:

- 1-4 weeks

Has he made any recent changes to his diet or exercise routine?:

- Yes, significant changes

Has he experienced any other symptoms besides the ones mentioned?:

- Not sure

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

45 days ago

Hello dear
See glycated hb is the best measure of diabetes monitoring.
It should be below 6 .
Since as per clinical history it is above 11 which is alarming in nature
So it seems to be diabetes only.
However medication are not given directly since metformin or sitagliptin do create hypoglycemia and mental confusion besides other impact.
I suggest you to please donot take self medication
Consult diabetologist or general physician medicine for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician
Tests are recent so need to go fir further test
Regards

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

45 days ago

Hello
Yes — those numbers strongly indicate diabetes.
HbA1c 11.8% and blood sugar 450 mg/dL are in the diabetic range and need urgent medical care.
What you should do:
•	❗ See a doctor immediately (today if possible). He may need proper evaluation and possibly insulin — self-medicating is risky.
•	Do not adjust doses on your own.
•	Watch for danger signs: vomiting, deep breathing, severe weakness, confusion → go to emergency care.
The drop in sugar after the tablet shows the medicine works, but the condition still needs professional treatment and a full plan.
I trust this helps
Thank you
Take care

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

43 days ago

Based on the symptoms you’ve described, along with the HbA1c of 11.8% and blood sugar readings, it’s highly likely that your brother has diabetes. The primary symptoms you mentioned — weight loss, excessive thirst, hunger, and frequent urination — are classic indicators, and an HbA1c level over 6.5% is typically diagnostic for diabetes. It’s essential to understand that diabetes is a serious health condition and requires professional management. While the medication you’re using seems to have effectively lowered his blood glucose levels in the short term, making changes to medication or dosing without medical supervision can be risky. Different types of diabetes medications have varied mechanisms of action, possible side effects, and interactions that need to be considered. The crucial next step is seeking comprehensive medical evaluation from a healthcare provider. They can confirm the diagnosis and provide a personalized treatment plan. This may include a combination of lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and regular physical activity, as well as medication management. The target is not only to control his blood sugar levels but also to minimize the risk of diabetes-related complications in the long-term. It’s also important to learn how to properly monitor his blood glucose levels, recognize signs of high or low blood sugar, and understand when to seek medical help. You should call a healthcare provider right away to schedule an appointment for a full evaluation and to discuss your brother’s symptoms, self-treatment approach, and next steps in care. It’s best not to delay getting professional advice in this situation, as improperly managed diabetes can lead to serious health issues.

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

45 days ago

Your brother’s numbers are not normal and require urgent medical care. An HbA1c of 11.8% and random blood sugar of 450 mg/dL strongly indicate diabetes mellitus, most likely Diabetes mellitus, and this level is considered severely uncontrolled, not borderline. The symptoms you described (weight loss, excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination) are classic signs of high blood sugar. While the tablets lowered his glucose temporarily, self-medicating without a doctor is unsafe, because the type of diabetes (Type 1 vs Type 2) must be confirmed first, and wrong treatment can cause dangerous complications like hypoglycemia or Diabetic ketoacidosis. He needs immediate evaluation within 24 hours for proper tests, kidney function, urine ketones, and a supervised treatment plan (which may include insulin at first). In summary, these results very strongly confirm diabetes, and he should stop adjusting medicines on his own and see a doctor urgently for safe and correct management.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

44 days ago

Hello
Thank you for sharing these details about your brother. Based on the symptoms (weight loss, excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination) and the test results (HbA1c of 11.8% and blood sugar readings as high as 450 mg/dL), your brother is confirmed to have diabetes. There is no doubt—these numbers are well above the diagnostic threshold for diabetes.
### What This Means
- HbA1c of 11.8%: This reflects an average blood sugar of over 280 mg/dL over the past 2-3 months, which is very high.
- Random blood sugar of 450 mg/dL: This is dangerously high and confirms diabetes.
- Symptoms: Classic signs of uncontrolled diabetes.
### About the Medication
- The drop in blood sugar after taking diabetes medication is expected, but starting or adjusting diabetes medication without a doctor’s supervision can be risky. Blood sugar can drop too low (hypoglycemia), or not be controlled well enough, both of which can be dangerous.
### What You Should Do Now
1. See a Doctor Immediately

- Your brother needs a full evaluation by a doctor (preferably an endocrinologist or diabetologist) to determine the best treatment plan, which may include oral medications, insulin, and lifestyle changes.
- The doctor will also check for any complications (kidney, eyes, nerves, heart) that can occur with high blood sugar.
2. Do Not Adjust Medication on Your Own

- Self-medicating or changing doses without medical advice can be harmful. Only a doctor can decide the right medication and dose.
3. Monitor for Danger Signs

- If your brother develops vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, confusion, or becomes very drowsy, go to the emergency room immediately. These can be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening emergency.
4. Lifestyle Changes

- Along with medication, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration are essential. But these should be guided by a doctor.
### Summary
- Your brother definitely has diabetes and needs professional medical care right away.
- Do not continue to adjust or prescribe medication on your own.
- Book an appointment with a diabetologist or visit a hospital as soon as possible.
Thank you

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

39 days ago

Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Based on the values you mentioned, your brother very likely has diabetes, and he should see a doctor as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treatment.
HbA1c = 11.8% → This is well above the diagnostic level (≥6.5%) and indicates poorly controlled blood sugar over the last ~3 months. Random blood glucose = 450 mg/dL, This is very high. Symptoms like excessive thirst, hunger, weight loss, and frequent urination are classic symptoms of diabetes. So yes, this confirms diabetes, and it is not likely to be temporary.
It sounds like he was given Metformin (commonly 500 mg or 1000 mg tablets). This medicine can lower blood sugar, which is why his readings improved. However, self-adjusting doses without a doctor’s supervision is not recommended, especially when sugars were initially very high (450 mg/dL). Sometimes patients with such high values may temporarily need insulin to stabilize sugar safely. Here is my advise-
1. Consult a doctor immediately.
2. Get these tests done- Kidney function tests, Lipid profile, Urine examination.
3. Avoid sugar, sweets, sweet drinks, fruit juices, and refined carbohydrates. Eat small balanced meals with vegetables, protein, and whole grains. Drink adequate water.
Monitor blood sugar before breakfast and 2 hours after meals.
4. Seek immediate medical attention if he develops: Vomiting, Severe weakness, Rapid breathing, Confusion, Abdominal pain.
These could indicate complications such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis, which can occur when sugars are very high.
The good news: with proper treatment, diet, and lifestyle changes, diabetes can be well controlled, and many people live completely normal lives.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Alan Reji

I'm Dr. Alan Reji, a general dentist with a deep-rooted passion for helping people achieve lasting oral health while making dental visits feel less intimidating. I graduated from Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences (batch of 2018), and ever since, I've been committed to offering high-quality care that balances both advanced clinical knowledge and genuine compassion for my patients. Starting Dent To Smile here in Palakkad wasn’t just about opening a clinic—it was really about creating a space where people feel relaxed the moment they walk in. Dental care can feel cold or overly clinical, and I’ve always wanted to change that. So I focused on making it warm, easygoing, and centered completely around you. I mix new-age tech with some good old-fashioned values—really listening, explaining stuff without jargon, and making sure you feel involved, not just treated. From regular cleanings to fillings or even cosmetic work, I try my best to keep things smooth and stress-free. No hidden steps. No last-minute surprises. I have a strong interest in patient education and preventive dentistry. I genuinely believe most dental issues can be caught early—or even avoided—when patients are given the right information at the right time. That’s why I take time to talk, not just treat. Helping people understand why something’s happening is as important to me as treating what’s happening. At my practice, I’ve made it a point to stay current with the latest innovations—digital diagnostics, minimally invasive techniques, and smart scheduling that respects people’s time. I also try to make my services accessible and affordable, because good dental care shouldn’t be out of reach for anyone.

38 days ago

An HbA1c of 11.8% and blood sugar around 450 mg/dL strongly indicate diabetes, and the symptoms of excessive thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss are classic signs. Although the tablet lowered his sugar levels, self-medicating without medical supervision is risky, because the correct drug type, dose, and long-term plan must be decided after proper evaluation. Consult a Physician or Endocrinologist immediately for full assessment (fasting glucose, repeat HbA1c, kidney tests, and treatment plan) to confirm the diagnosis and start safe diabetes management.

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