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February 14, 2000

Diagnosis and Symptoms

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Question from Chicago, Illinois, USA:

My son was diagnosed about 10 months ago with diabetes. His A1c’s have been normal, as a matter of fact the last two were 4.8. At diabetes camp, the doctors asked me what his antibodies test were when he was diagnosed. Well, I finally asked the doctor and he told me that it was negative. Now finally he says that my son is a Type 2. He was overweight and has lost over 20 pounds. He is very active in football and all sports. The doctor is keeping him on his insulin, NPH and a total of 10 units a day, his blood sugar reading average from a low of 75 to a high of 140.

The doctor how says he is a Type 2 because of the antibody test and his sugars never get very low or high. We feed him well balanced meals and the doctor said we are doing a good job. What I am confused about is why did the doctor say Type�1 for almost 10 months and now he is saying Type 2? I know I should of asked him that question but at the office there is so much to ask. Believe me I will ask him when we go back. Yes, this doctor is a specialist and my son was in the hospital initially for 4 days. I am really confused.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

I can understand why you are confused. Were the antibodies checked when he was diagnosed or further into his diabetes, as antibodies can become negative with established diabetes. In very obese children, insulin resistance can develop, which is essentially type 2 diabetes.

I suggest you express your confusion to your specialist team, and if you are still confused or unhappy with the response, presumably you can ask for a second opinion, as is the case over here in the UK.

JS