Gastrointestinal Issues and Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar issues and gastrointestinal problems?

Hello, last week I went to the emergency room because I vomited 5 to 6 times in the middle of the night.
The doctor performed several tests and diagnosed me with gastroenteritis.
I have two questions: 1.
I only vomited and did not have diarrhea, just passed a little soft stool, but my stomach hurts and my intestines feel bloated.
Do I need to undergo further testing specifically for my stomach? 2.
At the hospital, they measured my blood sugar with a glucometer, and it was 126.
I was quite scared, but the doctor did not advise me to pay special attention to it.
About six months and a year ago, my blood sugar levels were 75 and 87, respectively.
Should I get my fasting blood sugar tested again, or could the vomiting have caused the blood sugar to be unstable?

QQ, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/15

Dr. Chen Shunfu reply Internal Medicine

Thank you for your inquiry.
1.
Hello, if you are still experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, in addition to adjusting to a light diet, it is recommended to visit a gastroenterology clinic for evaluation and possible medication/testing to improve your symptoms as soon as possible.
2.
When a person is unwell, such as experiencing fever, vomiting, or dizziness, it can potentially lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.
If you are concerned, you may want to go to the hospital for further detailed examination.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Chiayi Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/01/15

More Info

It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging time with your gastrointestinal issues, and I appreciate your detailed questions. Let's address your concerns one by one.

1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Further Testing: You mentioned experiencing significant vomiting and abdominal pain, along with some soft stools. Given that you have been diagnosed with gastroenteritis, it is common to experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. The presence of soft stools can sometimes occur even if diarrhea is not prominent. However, if your abdominal pain is severe or persistent, or if you notice any new symptoms such as fever, blood in your stool, or worsening pain, it would be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additional tests, such as imaging studies or endoscopy, may be warranted if there are concerns about underlying conditions like ulcers or obstructions, especially considering your history of gastrointestinal issues.

2. Blood Sugar Levels: Regarding your blood sugar reading of 126 mg/dL, this is indeed a bit concerning, as it falls into the category of prediabetes (normal fasting blood sugar levels are typically below 100 mg/dL). However, it is essential to consider the context in which this measurement was taken. Stress from illness, dehydration, or even the physiological response to vomiting can temporarily elevate blood sugar levels. Since you had previous readings of 75 and 87 mg/dL, it might be beneficial to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes (such as a family history or being overweight). I recommend discussing with your doctor whether you should have a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c test to get a clearer picture of your blood sugar control over time.

In summary, while your current symptoms may be related to gastroenteritis, persistent or severe symptoms warrant further investigation. As for your blood sugar levels, it would be wise to keep an eye on them and possibly retest to ensure that your levels are stable and within a healthy range. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing stress can also help in stabilizing both your gastrointestinal health and blood sugar levels. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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