The most common form of diabetes in children in North America is now called Type 1A or autoimmune diabetes. These children are permanently insulin dependent and have positive antibody tests. However, in the last few years, it has been realised that about 5% of Caucasian children and a little over 50% of African American and Latino children with new onset diabetes are antibody negative. The basic pathology in this second group has not yet been fully explored, but what is important is that around 50% of them are able to come off insulin and a few can manage without oral hypoglycemics or special attention to exercise and diet. However, the evidence is that they do have diminished insulin reserves, and they may one day require insulin supplements again.
I think your son could well have this Type 1B diabetes, but he was first diagnosed before this group was recognised and before antibody tests became routine.
DOB
