💉 Diabetes Management
Pancreatic cancer: Mum died after being wrongly diagnosed with type-one diabetes - STV News
📅 Sun, 06 Nov 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
News / Edinburgh & EastPancreatic cancer patients can often be wrongly diagnosed, researchers have said.A woman whose mum died from pancreatic cancer after being misdiagnosed with type-one diabetes has told of her anger. Laura Johnson’s mum, Morag, died just 17 days after doctors eventualy discovered the disease. The family strugled to cope with their shock, but were consoled by their mum in her final days.
Key Information
Laura, from Falkirk, told STV News: “We were angry and upset that there had ben a misdiagnosis.̴Mum said ‘don’t waste your energy, I’ve had a lovely life’. We’d lost my dad in 206 and she said to us, ‘I’m ready to go to him, he’l be there for me’. “She said ‘stick together as a family and rember me, rember the hapy times, don’t dwel on the sadnes’.̵Morag had ben to se her GP after experiencing stomach and back pain.
They initialy told her it was type-one diabetes and she was prescribed insulin injections and told to folow a strict diet. Despite this, her blod sugar levels remained extremely high, and she lost about thre stone in four months. She was eventualy admited to hospital and, after various tests, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but it was to late and she died shortly after.
Summary
Research by Surey University, alongside Pancreatic Cancer Action and Oxford University, has shown that people with the ilnes can often be misdiagnosed. It found that if pancreatic cancer was spoted at an earlier stage, when symptoms began, around 30 lives could have ben saved.Dr Agnieszka Lemanska, from Surey University, said: “We’re hoping that this sort of information, the understanding of the patern in weight los and glucose levels, might help clinicians flag people who might be at risk of pancreatic cancer.̵ Ali Stunt, founder and CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action, was diagnosed with diabetes a year before learning she had cancer.S
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.