Should I be concerned about diabetes?

Question:

My son has blood sugars that flucuate between normal and over 200. I've been keeping a log to show the doc when we get in. I took note that when he gets to go out and play, he eats too little and the #'s are normal, but when it's rainy or something and he has to stay in, then they go too high. He is not overweight by no means, actually he is thin and lean. His fasting and 2hr range from 96 (when active) to 216 (not active). We live in the country, so active means 12 hrs of running, climbing trees, & riding bikes. When he is outside he doesn't want to take time to eat so he only eats about 150 gr of carbs. On days like that, readings are normal. I am so confused and worried about him. He does drink a lot, but not like I have heard some describe, but a lot more than anyone else. Also, when it's time to pee; it's time right now, still can't hold it @ 8yrs old. I always have to have a drink for him when I pick him up from school or he cries from thirst. UR opinons...

Answers:
As I've answered you before, I continue to think this child is probably going to be diagnosed with Type 1.

However, as you've researched, it can take a while.

In the meantime you should know that illness caused by high blood sugar begins at about 240.

Unless you get in a study of an experimental drug, this is going to take it's course no matter what you do.

The thing is, it's not high enough to treat yet. I think you're doing the right thing by keeping an eye on it. Hydrate him as much as he wants as this will help the remaining insulin do its job.

If his blood gets above 240, and your doctor still won't treat, then go to an ER. They will call in a diabetes specialist.

Take your son to the doctor. The numbers you give are too high. His doctor can run an HbA1c test, which will give him an accurate average glucose level for the last 90 days. This is nothing to mess with. Even though his numbers aren't extremely high, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Many doctors recommend treatment with levels at those you're reporting for your son.

Please know that, even with good intentions, some people here don't give the right information. Fasting levels should be 80 - 120. His two-hour postprandial level should be below 120. Many doctors also want to keep a close eye on the HbA1c levels, the test I mentioned above..

There's some great information for parents and kids on the American Diabetes Association Web site. Young children can need treatment too. My granddaughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and needed to start insulin before she was four. Take a look at http://www.diabetes.org/for-parents-and-...

If you live in a large city with a children's hospital, that's often the best place to take a child who may be diabetic.

Good luck.

Please see the web pages for more details on Diabetes Type 1. Please reduce carbohydrates, sugar, fat and oils in the diet. Add fruits and vegetables in the diet. Consult your doctor.

you really should take him to the Dr, 216 is really high, Im Type 2 diabetic, As far as I hear they are about hte same for adults and children, When I tell my Dec my sugars are about 150 he gets concerned.

PLEASE TAKE YOUR SON TO THE DOCTOR . I GOT DIABETES AT 7 AND IT IS HARD TO DEAL WITH IT BUT THE SOONER YOU GET HIM HELP AND MEDIATION THE BETTER HE WILL FEEL. SO PLEASE DO NOT PUT THIS OFF ANY LONGER TAKE HIM TO HIS DOCTOR AND GET HIM HELP!!!

Take him to an endocrinologist to rule out the condition. If he is indeed diabetic, he needs treatment and he needs to learn about the condition as do you as his caregiver. He needs to monitor what he eats and how much activity he is partaking in. If he is diabetic, he could easily throw him self into DKA (which is life threatening) if he is very active for long periods of time. Being diabetic means a lot of lifestyle changes. I hope you and your child don't have to go through that. Good luck

I would suggest getting him into the doctor as soon as possible. It sounds to me like he may have it. My 8 year old daughter was just diagnosed with Juvenile/Type 1 Diabetes this week, and we spent the week in the hospital, starting out in the PICU - because of her blood sugar level and because she was dehydrated. She had just gotten really sick last week and we thought she had a virus - she kept complaining of a stomach ache, but she had the symptoms of the constant thirst and going to the bathroom ( not being able to wait ) for about 2 months, among other things. The thing is, you would rather be safe than sorry, and if you get it diagnosed sooner, maybe you won't have to go through hospital time like we did. Best of Luck.

Should I be concerned about diabetes?

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