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April 1, 2002

Insulin

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Question from Vancouver, Washington, USA:

A doctor told my 13 year old son, who was diagnosed when he was 11, that he didn’t have to take his NPH insulin at night if his blood sugar was under 110 mg/dl [6.1 mmol/L]. Then a CDE nurse said he should always take his night shot. She herself has is a diabetes and is very well informed.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

I concur with your Certified Diabetes Educator nurse. The intermediate acting NPH is generally required at nighttime to prevent hyperglycemia in the morning, which can be associated with the dawn phenomenon. Was the doctor who advised you differently an endocrinologist? If so, I’d ask that you get clarification that there was not a misunderstanding. If your son is not followed by a pediatric endocrinologist, please ask for a referral.

DS