Diabetes and PAF

I had my ablation last October and one thing that stands out from that was after the operation they tested my blood sugar and asked me if I was diabetic. No I said why, they informed me that my level was 24. I asked the Professor and he said that the operation was probably the cause of the rise. So I left it.

8 months down the track, I have had several admittances to hospital with out of control AF (my first initial thought was the ablation did not work), however after the last visit the girls at the A@E started doing blood sugar and glucose, I was informed that my level was 14 and there was glucose in my urine.

My question, is it feasible for the out of control blood sugar levels be the culprit for the AF episodes and severe headaches I am experiencing. I am due to go back into hospital in August for the 2nd ablation, however I feel that my problems stem from the fact that I AM diabetic.

Yes I know I sound like I am looking for excuses not to have number 2, but if there is a chance I am right then I fix one problem the other will go away.

Thank you in advance

[BobD Volunteer]

Whilst diabetes increases you stroke risk I have not heard of it being connected to being a cause of AF. I suggest that you talk to your doctor asap about finding out one way or another what is causing this blood sugar increase.

[Hidden]

Hi Soozie, I think you have a point somewhere there i.e. I believe it can contribute to increasing the level at which AF starts but I don't think it is the sole cause of AF.

I say this because I have always had a sweet tooth but 6 months+ ago I found cutting out 75% of sugar (which is in everything incl fruit so is not easy!) made me feel so much better. Over a long journey this last 14 months, I have found that certain things make me feel so much better and rightly or wrongly I think this is because I am increasingly distancing myself from the AF threshold.

Hope that does not sound too flaky and helps.

[PeterWh]

I was told that sugar does contribute to / exacerbate AF as a trigger but won't be the cause. It also causes elevated triglycerides. Initially I was avoiding some fruits but was told that the "sugars" in most fruits do not affect like sugars in biscuits. Never fully researched this though.

[George22]

I think you have developed diabetes as well as AF. Some one needs to get this sorted out . Best wishes .mary

[Hidden]

Thanks boys and girls, I was hoping that I got a truth smack in the face and said yes of course there is a link and if you control one you dont have to do the other.

Foever bucking the system, never winning. Thank you >)

[PeterWh]

One thing that I have realised much more in the last nine months is to how complex / complicated the human body is and also how many things are interrelated or triggered by one medical condition. There are a few examples for me where I am sure that this has been the case but I don't want to bore everyone!!! I knew that the body was complex / complicated but I understood it much less than I do now and for sure there is a ton more to learn!!!

I also think that some things are actually triggered by one disease or problem (eg AF) directly and then there are others that were dormant or on the cusp (so to speak) that then manifest themselves simply because the body diverts some of its "resources" to fight one condition (often newer but not necessarily so) but this leaves "resources" unavailable to fight some thing(s) else and then these other things come to the fore or manifest themselves.

[Hidden]

I agree, my first episode of a high blood glucose was the day I had the ablation, it is now confirmed that this was the catalyst, whilst body was trying to fight what was happening to it the diabetes shock decided to sneak in.

However, I am able to fight the diabetes, but the visit every 10 days or so to A&E with AF is becoming very tiresome