September 13, 2005
Hyperglycemia and DKA, Mental Health
Question from New Zealand:
Over the last few years, my son has been admitted to the hospital in DKA several times. I believe his emotions are putting him into this. What treatment can I give him for his emotional state of mind? He has just become a dad himself and I believe that if he carries on this way, he won’t reach 21.
Answer:
DKA occurs because of not getting enough insulin. This most often happens by missing shots, although sometimes it happens if a person needs more insulin, but has not been monitoring blood sugars often enough to notice the need for more insulin. Your son may need someone to help him take his insulin and check his blood sugars so that he does not have to manage that all by himself. It may be helpful to talk with him and ask him if that would be helpful. It will also be helpful to go to his next diabetes clinic appointment with him as a show of support.
JWB
