High uncontrolled diabetes seen in patients hit by fever Burning Of Eyes Another Unusual Symptom: Docs

High uncontrolled diabetes seen in patients hit by fever Burning Of Eyes Another Unusual Symptom: Docs 

Amrita.Didyala@timesofindia.com 31.10.2024 

Hyderabad : An increased range of fevers, burning sensation in the body, burning of eyes, nose and high uncontrolled diabetes in non-diabetics are some of the symptoms being seen in many patients reporting with fever and influenza-like illnesses currently. This is being observed in patients testing negative for all known viruses as well as those testing positive for dengue or chikungunya, say health experts. In fact, doctors suggest that viral infections might be triggering diabetes, similar to what was seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are seeing prolonged general weakness and increased levels of blood sugars in most patients. Blood sugar levels are reaching as high as 200-300 in non-diabetic patients. During these fevers, there is a spike in random blood sugar levels. It could be due to the tremendous stress caused to the body by viral infections. It is rampant,” said Dr Prabhu Kumar Challagali, member of Indian Medical Association. He said burning of eyes is another unusual symptom being seen among patients. For diabetics and prediabetics, the situation is worse, with many prediabetics experiencing continued high levels of blood sugars after viral infections. Heart failure also seen among patients Flagging another cause for concern, Dr Ashish Chauhan, consultant physician at Apollo Hospitals, said heart failure and heart attacks following a viral infection are also being seen in many patients. 

Citing the example of an elderly patient currently admitted to the ICU, Dr Chauhan said: “When we ran a troponin test (used to detect heart damage), we found his levels to be 50,000 compared to the normal of 25. Heart attacks are being precipitated by the viral infections as well and the disease is not giving us enough time. So if a patient feels unwell, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately. Unlike previous days when we asked patients to wait for 3-4 days before consultation, we now advise visiting a doctor within 24-48 hours.”