Since she was six months old, my three year old daughter has run 106 F temperatures about every six months. She constantly potties and always needs a something to drink. Last week, we took her to the emergency room for the same problem, and they said she had a “high glucose level” (171 mg/dl [9.5 mmol/L]). Her doctor sent her to the children’s hospital, and it was 131 mg/dl [7.3 mmol/L], yet they said they can’t figure out what’s wrong with her. They also won’t explain what these numbers mean. Should I be concerned?

Fever is a normal part of growing up. Children have between 6-10 minor upper respiratory infections and other viral infections per year on average. They may run a fever with any of these. Certainly two illnesses with fever a year is pretty typical for most three year olds. In addition, a blood sugar of 171 mg/dl [9.5 mmol/L] is abnormal [see below], and your child may be at risk for developing diabetes and should be closely monitored, especially in light of the symptoms you describe.

MSB
Additional comments from Stephanie Schwartz, diabetes nurse specialist:

Sometimes children this age can have elevated blood sugars and will drink and urinate a lot when they have high fevers, primarily due to dehydration. I would see if the symptoms occur when she is not ill. If they do, you need to have her blood sugar tested immediately in a laboratory.

SS

[Editor’s comment: The writer does not indicate if the blood sugar was done fasting, or after eating. The 171 mg/dl [9.5 mmol/L] and 131 mg/dl [7.3 mmol/L], would be high, if she was fasting and healthy. See the Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes guidelines for more information.

WWQ]