March 20, 2003
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Question from Emeigh, Pennsylvania, USA:
My seven year old son is going to be tested for hypoglycemia because whenever he has to take any medicines (e.g., vitamins, antibiotics, Advil, cough syrup), he has outbursts of anger and destruction that can’t be explained or controlled. Sometimes he will have an outburst and then fall sleep. Everything causes a reaction in him, and I noticed that he does seem moodier when he doesn’t eat well.
The doctors aren’t sure what causes this but are thinking that when he is sick and not eating properly, he be having low blood sugar. Have you ever heard of medicine being linked to low blood sugar? Thank you for any help you can give me. He has always had reactions, but they are getting worse, and I am getting very concerned.
Answer:
My answer for hypoglycemia fears is to test. I teach my patients’ parents how to use a glucose meter and have the family test whenever they think there is a low. I know it isn’t perfect, but other options (a glucose tolerance test and prolonged fasts) seem very artificial to me. If after weeks of “spells” at home deliver no glucose that is in the hypoglycemic range I tell parents I cannot find it, but to continue to test if they feel there is a potential low.
LD
Additional comments from Dr. Stuart Brink:
This doesn’t sound likely to be related to sugar levels. You could consult with an endocrinologist.
SB
