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How to control sugar levels if a diabetic gets jaundice?

Prof Dinesh Dhanwal
Prof of Medicine and Head of Endocrinology,
Maulana Azad Medical College,
New Delhi

Q: My father is suffering from jaundice. He is diabetic too. Now with the jaundice, his diabetic control has gone haywire and the sugar has gone up to 400 mg/dl. He is currently on medication and feels very weak. I have a small baby, 10 months old. I want to know the diet for my father and if there is any risk of my baby being infected?

A:Whether your baby at home can get infected with jaundice depends upon the cause of jaundice. In case it is due to Hepatitis virus A or E then answer is yes. Get the tests to know the cause of hepatitis. Visit to a good physician will help. During jaundice most of the oral medications are not advisable and its better to give insulin so get him switched over to insulin till his jaundice lasts.Regarding diet you have to give him complex carbohydrate diet with low fat. Best is to contact a dietician for detailed menu planning.