My 17 year old son has just been diagnosed with diabetes. He has been having hypo’s lately and has also been having some seizures. Why is this? What is the mechanism of him having these seizures?

Your son probably has what is now called Type�1 or autoimmune diabetes. Usually, this needs to be treated with insulin immediately after it is diagnosed, but soon there may be a temporary recovery of his own ability to make insulin. This is called the honeymoon period, and it usually only lasts for a few weeks. During this time, however, the amount of insulin by injection is normally decreased and if you are not following blood sugars closely there may be times when too much insulin is being given. The blood sugar, which is the main fuel for the brain, may then fall too low (hypoglycemia) and result in seizures. You need to discuss with his doctor how to prevent this and at the same time keep his blood sugars from going too high.

DOB