
September 3, 1999
Honeymoon
Question from Columbus, Ohio, USA:
My 7 year old daughter was diagnosed Type 1 seven months ago. Since that time her insulin dosages have steadily decreased to where she is currently only taking 6 units of NPH a day. When tested for the GAD antibody, the results showed less than one. Could this mean she is not truly a Type 1 or could she be a Type 1B?
Answer:
Many children go into what is considered a significant honeymoon; that is, they seem to begin to make insulin again in some amount. You want to control the diabetes very well now as it can prolong the honeymoon.
Now another thought. Do you have Type 2 diabetes or is there a lot in the family? Are you or your child significantly overweight? Type 2 is also becoming more prevalent in youngsters, and it should be considered as a possibility.
LD