February 24, 2004
Behavior, Hyperglycemia and DKA
Question from Warrensburg, New York, USA:
My grandson has had diabetes for just under a year. It seems that just before he comes down with a migraine or sinus infection etc., his blood sugar goes high and he gets very testy. He is very argumentative, sassy, and just plain rude. This is not his nature. At this time, we contact the doctor and he is usually put on antibiotics, which also affects his sugar and his moods. Is this normal? Are we doing anything wrong? When he is well, his sugar is managed very well.
Answer:
Higher blood sugar levels during an infection are quite normal and these higher levels could influence your grandson’s mood. The most important thing to do in these cases is cure the infection that led to the increased glycemic levels. When this situation is under control, blood sugar levels return to normal and so, too, should the mood of your grandson. Contacting the doctor to cure of the infection clearly is the right thing to do.
AS
