May 26, 2001
Hyperglycemia and DKA
Question from Victoria, Minnesota, USA:
My 11 year old daughter has type�1 diabetes and gets severe stomach aches/cramps which seem to be associated with high ketones. When she has these stomach pains, what can we do to help them diminish? Her doctors tell us to encourage her to drink, but when her stomach hurts she is unable to drink, even her favorite diet soft drink. She is not vomiting although she sometimes states she feels like it.
Answer:
The best way to treat the stomach cramps is to avoid high ketones, as they are a common cause of tummy pains. There are several reasons for ketones, but usually it is related to inadequate amounts of insulin. You should talk with her diabetes team about ways in which she can avoid ketones. It is important that this is looked into carefully, especially if it is occurring on a regular basis.
JS
