December 9, 2004
Hyperglycemia and DKA
Question from Amman, Jordan:
My child suffers from high sugar levels for a week every month with his normal foods, exercise and insulin. During this one week, his blood sugars often go as high as 300 mg/dl [16.7 mmol/L]. What could be causing this?
Answer:
Some variability in blood sugars is common in children with diabetes. If your child is having predictable high blood sugars that happen regularly, you are correct to look at the food choices, activity and his insulin dosing to try to determine why he is regularly having high blood sugars. You may also wish to review this with your child’s diabetes physician for additional advice. In the event you’re not able to determine the cause, you may wish to consider increasing his insulin dosing during those times in consultation with your diabetes physician.
MSB
