January 2, 2002
Other Illnesses
Question from East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, USA:
Seven months ago, my seven year old daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and ever since then she has been experiencing periods of severe headaches and nausea that are not associated with low blood sugars. At these times, her ketones are negative. There are times when she experiences nausea alone. Her pediatrician says she may be developing migraines, and we are now keeping a log of all her food and activities. She never had any of these problems before she was put on insulin. Is there any chance that it could be the type of insulin that she is sensitive to or allergic to?
Answer:
This is not likely an insulin or diabetes related problem. Migraines are certainly high on differential to consider. Keep working closely with your daughter’s diabetes team as well as her pediatrician. thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, and celiac disease sometimes also present with odd headaches and should be eliminated from consideration, if not already tested for.
SB
