What could cause increasing drowsiness?
Patient: Dear doctors, Day by day, my drowziness is going from bad to worse. This morning I got up very, very drowzy.  I am 65, of Indian decent from Malacca, Malaysia. I am diabetic. This morning's reading is 6.0 (fasting). On other days it my be up to 10.00 (fasting). I am on insulin ( 14.0) every night, and take a Metformin tablet at night and in the morning. My parents were diabetic.  My blood pressure this morning (20.2.2011)  is 122/78. Pulse 79.  In June 2010 a doctor at the General Hospital told me that I had slightly low blood pressure (106/66), and advised me to increase my salt intake. I have been adding very tiny amounts of salt to my drinks.  I do not excercise, except cut the grass once a week, have never been a sportman in my life. That did not prevent me from learning to fly microlight aircraft. I flew for three years(1995-1998). At that time I was very normal and didn't even know that I had diabetes.  I am worried that the increased frequency of drowzniness may have something to do with a decreased flow of blood to my brains and that I may have a stroke soon. I can't afford to undego angiograms, by-pass surgery or any expensive treatment.  I need advise. I live alone.    Jeyapaul S.  YYYY@YYYY Doctor: Hello,  You need to check your blood sugars regularly in the early morning and midnight as well. You might be having low blood sugar levels during your sleep that is causing the drowsiness.   I suggest you to visit your doctor for expert consultation and review your sugar chart properly and adjust your treatment according to your needs.   Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr SAMEEN BIN NAEEM, General & Family Physician