A "brittle" diabetic?

[lpn2crna1day]

Can someone explain what is meant exactly by the term "brittle" when talking about a diabetic patient? Never heard the word used before today. Thanks!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Someone whose BG levels change rapidly and for no apparent reason.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

I had a guy the other night we called a "brittle" diabetic. His BS was close to 300, but if he was medicated according to sliding scale, he'd bottom out to the 20-30s, even with a snack. We even cut the sliding scale in half and he still bottomed out. Very wierd. Also works opposite, their BS will rise without even eating anything. Brittle!!