December 12, 2000
Hyperglycemia and DKA, Other Social Issues
Question from Glendora, California, USA:
My seven year old daughter and was diagnosed years ago with type 1 diabetes, and I am going through a custody battle for her. Recently, her blood sugar levels have gone up. I take her to see a therapist, and she says my daughter is depressed. Can depression activate higher blood sugar levels, with proper diet and activity?
Answer:
Stress hormones can elevate blood sugar levels despite faithful dietary compliance and regular exercise. The stress of your custody battle may be enough for this to be the problem.
Make sure your seven year old knows that she did not cause the breakup. Many children are convinced deep down that divorce is their fault. Let her talk candidly about her experience of this battle. Let her be angry/upset and not hold those feelings inside. If she can discharge the stressed feelings it can help her blood sugars stabilize somewhat. My hunch is her diabetes is going to be more challenging as this whole process plays out.
CMB
