May 23, 2005
Diagnosis and Symptoms, Other
Question from Clanton, Alabama, USA:
We have just been told that my two grandsons have diabetes. One is six and the other is 10. The six year old has type 2 and the 10 year old has type 1. They have both been in mental health the last three years or so and are both on medication for their problems. The younger boy takes clonidine, Risperdol, and Trileptal. His older brother takes Strattera, clonidine, Wellbutrin, and Seroquel. Could there possibly be a link between the medications and the diabetes? I just think that it seems odd that they both have diabetes. It is not something that is prevalent in our families.
Answer:
I understand your worry. Unfortunately, you provide too little information. It would be best to contact the pediatric endocrinologist who has been consulted in the children’s care to better address your concerns. Some psychotropic medications, notably Zyprexa, can cause the glucose levels to go up. None “CAUSE” diabetes. It would be unusual for a six year old to have type 2 diabetes. Special testing can help better distinguish type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes. Your pediatric endocrinologist can do this. Are either of the children obese?
DS
