November 14, 2000
Honeymoon
Question from Muharraq, Bahrain:
My four year old son was diagnosed with type�1 diabetes six months ago. He gets two shots daily (around five units all together). His doctor says that he is still in the honeymoon period. Is there anyway we can elongate this period?
Answer:
The best known way (although not 100% scientifically documented) to extend the honeymoon period is to rest the damaged beta cells. This is usually done by giving sufficient insulin and working with a meal plan, frequent blood glucose monitoring etc to get as close to normal blood glucose readings pre and post-foods. If you are already doing this and the hemoglobin A1c is normal or near normal (i.e., less than 7.0-7.5% on a DCCT-based assay), then this is the best that you can do. There is no other known or suspected way to accomplish this except for hard work and diligence. Good luck.
SB
