Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
My correspondents are interested in diabetes. Dehydration is
not a good idea for anyone. I am not sure it makes it more
difficult for diabetics by itself, but it is true that
diabetics who are with high sugars — such as the feared
complication called DKA — fluids in massive amounts are
indicated, as high sugars cause dehydration. By the way, a
popular misconception is that in hot Israeli weather drinking
water is important. Many dieters drink massive amounts of
water. Water is good for you, but excessive amounts can cause
changes in the body's salts. Best to eat right and drink a
lot — but make sure some juices are included.
The same writer asks if diabetes is now diagnosed at lower
levels than before and the answer is yes. A fasting sugar
above 100 is a cause for further observation, and between 100-
110 also needs to be watched although it is less concerning.
This is called prediabetes.
Levels of acceptable blood pressure have also gone down. Best
way to fight both diseases is to exercise.
A while back someone asked about how to help spouses deal
with a partner who is having severe health problems. This
takes a great deal of courage, especially when a previously
strong and well person is weakened and disfigured by cancer,
or becomes disabled by dementia. I have no concrete answers,
but can turn to my parents for inspiration.
My mother suffered through two cancers in the 1980s that are
usually fatal within five years. My father was very upbeat
and confident, and my mother made sure to be compliant with
the treatments no matter how troubling. My mother, through
Hashem's chessed, did survive these cancers. She is
cancer-free for almost twenty years. Now the tables are
turned: my father has Parkinson's. Again, upbeat, supportive,
respectful of autonomy and making sure that one is well
informed on the disease and what is necessary to beat it has
helped them make it through. Of course Tehillim has
helped a lot as well. Support groups do exist for some
illnesses as well.
Hashem helps. Write me in care of the Yated.
A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this
column. Glaxo would like you to know that Tums is a great
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In addition it is a wonderful calcium supplement. Gentle but
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