September 20, 1999
Daily Care
Question from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA:
My son is 6 years old and was diagnosed almost a year ago. He recently had strep throat and a stomach virus. As a result his sugar levels bottomed and his insulin was cut dramatically per endocrinologist’s suggestion. Two weeks later his sugars and ketones are soaring. We have changed sites and insulin bottles (also per Peds Endo). He uses NPH and Humalog and is getting enough insulin per weight. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer:
During illness, insulin requirements can change. If your son is in the “honeymoon period” it would be common to decrease the dose during illness if your son wasn’t eating well. However, after the honeymoon period, be on the lookout for increased insulin requirements with illness. See sick days.
As far as needing more insulin now, it is likely that your child is making less insulin. It is common over the first year or so to see a marked increase in insulin needs as the number of islet cells decrease.
Keep in touch with your endocrinologist for individual advice.
LM
