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May 9, 2006

Behavior

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Question from Castle Rock, Colorado, USA:

When my 13 year old was upset at being grounded, she purposely took extra insulin to have a severe low, to get attention and to see if we cared about her. She told us she’d done it a few times before. She’s getting prepared to go on the insulin pump. Should we reconsider it? She’s generally a responsible teen, but this seems like awfully dangerous behavior.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

It is extremely dangerous behavior, whether you choose to overdose on insulin via a syringe or via a pump. Please take your daughter to a mental health practitioner immediately. She is struggling and her emotional distress and pain can result in a life-threatening event. Contact your pediatrician or your diabetes team for referrals.

JWB