September 25, 2003
Daily Care, Honeymoon
Question from Superior, Nebraska, USA:
My six year old daughter has had diabetes for over a year, and the doctors say the honeymoon period is over, but her blood sugars range from 50-480 mg/dl [2.8-26.7 mmol/L], and she weighs less than 50 pounds. They keep adjusting insulin levels, but it’s not working. It has been over a year now, and we still can’t get blood sugars stable yet. She had to get eyeglasses the other day, the doctors say although they can’t be sure, there’s a good chance the high blood sugars may have damaged her eyes.
When we found out she had diabetes, they told us the honeymoon period would last a year. It’s been over a year, and her body is still kicking out high sugar levels. I don’t understand why the blood sugar levels are not becoming somewhat stable. From what I understand, they should be okay by now, and they are not. Can you explain what’s going on here?
Answer:
As to the honeymoon period, you can first read a lot at our website which will explain more to you than just a few lines in this e-mail.
As to the other questions, I think what it is most important now is to assure your daughter the best metabolic control possible. To this aim, a pediatric team with enough experience in the care of children with diabetes is the best option, and the very first suggestion I can give to you. I don’t think the inadequate metabolic control she might have had over this year should have affected her eyes. Don’t delay good metabolic control too long though.
MS
