Ketone hypoglycaemia

[Anonymous Question]

My son is diagnosed with ketonic hypoglycaemic. He had just been in hospital with blood sugar 2.9 and ketones in his blood were 1.7. We have just returned home and no one actually tested his ketones again. Why were they so high? Could this be a sign of diabetes?

 

[azure]

How old is your son? When did he last eat prior to the test?

Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar not low, so it doesn't mean your son has diabetes.

Were you given any information or advice in hospital?

 

[Lamont D]

My son is diagnosed with ketonic hypoglycaemic. He had just been in hospital with blood sugar 2.9 and ketones in his blood were 1.7. We have just returned home and no one actually tested his ketones again. Why were they so high? Could this be a sign of diabetes?

Usually Ketotic Hypoglycaemia occurs infrequently in young children and does not lead to Diabetes of any type. Avoid long spells without food. Especially overnight, give your child something to eat before bed. Usually children grow out of this condition.
The reason why the ketones are high is because it is the body's response to low blood glucose levels. The ketones are a natural reaction to a lack of glucose.
There should be no need to worry, if you get a similar episode, consult your GP!

 

[Freema]

I think it can also occur in connection to another illness in a child that has not been able to eat enough while being sick