Okay all you health nuts, I need an answer. :p

My 18 year old little brother is living with me for the time being. He has diabetes and has had it for about 3 years. He is on an insulin pump, if that helps at all.

Lately (about the past 3 days) he has been complaining that his stomach hurts. Not a normal stomach ache, but says it feels like pinching or squeezing. He says the pain is located below his sternum. Not under it (where your heart and everything is), but below it. I am just wondering, does this sound like it is Diabetes related? If so, what could it be?

If its not Diabetes related, what could it be?

All he has been doing all day is sleeping and he says he doesn't want to get up. I am starting to get worried. :)

Does he work out? An old boyfriend of mine had similar symptoms. He had inflamed the cartilage under his sternum from lifting weights. He wasn't able to get out of bed for over a week (it was really fun ) The doctor put him on prescription anti-inflammatories and it did help.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GlindaofOz

Does he work out? An old boyfriend of mine had similar symptoms. He had inflamed the cartilage under his sternum from lifting weights. He wasn't able to get out of bed for over a week (it was really fun ;) ) The doctor put him on prescription anti-inflammatories and it did help.

---

His idea of working out is playing Playstation :p

He finally woke up and got out of bed, I'm assuming that's a good sign:confused:

Hmm, well I'm not certain. But if he's up he is probably feeling better. I'd keep an eye on him if the pain comes back he'll probably have to get to the doctor and have a chest x-ray.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GlindaofOz

Hmm, well I'm not certain. But if he's up he is probably feeling better. I'd keep an eye on him if the pain comes back he'll probably have to get to the doctor and have a chest x-ray.

---

Okay I'll keep that in mind. He said it felt a little better, and took a Motrin to take care of the remaining pain. We'll see what happens! :p

Does he test for Ketones in his urine? This could be a symptom of the diabetes. It is basically pretty bad if he is on a pump, so I would check with his doctor on this. Personally, I would not put this off and would not refer to the internet. It could be a dangerous situation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by J_9

Does he test for Ketones in his urine? This could be a symptom of the diabetes. It is basically pretty bad if he is on a pump, so I would check with his doctor on this. Personally, I would not put this off and would not refer to the internet. It could be a dangerous situation.

---

He has a supply of the Ketone testers here. I will tell him to check. He said it doesn't hurt so bad that he can't do things, he says its more of an annoyance.

He should still test. Abdominal aches and pains can be a sign of increased ketones

I just told him to test. When he first got diabetes apparently his ketone level was so high his doctor could even smell it.

Yes, it will have a very sweet smell, as well as the breath.

One can do a little check just by smelling the breath.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by J_9

Yes, it will have a very sweet smell, as well as the breath.

One can do a little check just by smelling the breath.

---

Okay I'll do that. Thanks :)

Mmmm I'd say get him to a doctor-his pancreas is inflamed (exactly where he has the pain-just under the sternum) -this is where insulin is produced/maintained, there is something going on there.

He's trying to be brave (or scared) get him to the doc asap. It may only be a need for readjustment of pump volume output.

Thank you for the suggestion X-ray :)

I'm going to call my mother and see if she thinks he should go. His medical card isn't with me so its up to her.

No worries