Diabetes t1 in preschool - neuropathy

[Blissfool]

Hi...I am concerned about my son (age 2.5). He was diagnosed in August with T1 and was admitted with severe ketoacidosis. Alhough there is no certainty, it is probable that he had the condition for some time, probably around a year, although the decline in last month was the most evident. At this time, and since, I noticed that my son's hands and feet were much, much colder than usual and that he companied of pins and needles regularly. He also kicks off the covers if they go on his feet. I've asked about the possibility of nueropathy at his age, but I am told the same thing over and over...that they don't test until qw. To me, this seems bonkers as if he has the early stages now, they are talking about leaving it 10 years! I don't seem to be able to get anyone to listen to me about this, because the norm is that children don't get this complication. Does anyone have any experience or advice on this? I am also concerned because both myself and both his grandmothers have very poor circulation and I suffered very badly (as in hospital treatment) for ulcerated chilblains from about age 5. I get the feeling I am being viewed as an overly anxious mum, but then again, when I suspected diabetes, I was told that I was being overly worried too.
Thanks for listening x

 

[Jen&Khaleb]

I wouldn't actually be very concerned about neuropathy in a young child fairly recently diagnosed. Khaleb had a blood sugar or 86mmol when diagnosed and it really hasn't been of any concern. Not saying that you shouldn't be listened to or investigations done but I do see that it would be very unlikely. Your son could have been pre-diabetic for a year but he would not have been able to avoid DKA as a diabetic. The first hba1c at diagnosis would give you some clue as to how long high sugar levels have been an issue.

One thing you might like to mention when you next see your clinic is that cold hands and feet and dry skin and lethargy are signs of a thyroid problem. This can often go hand in hand with diabetes. You are also going into Winter so it might just be the change in the weather also. As you had Chilblains you will know not to make the bath water too hot when he is cold to avoid the sudden change in temperature. Thyroid function tests and Coeliac screening is done here on all kids with diabetes on a yearly basis and at diagnosis. Eye tests are done after 5 years. Hba1c and injection site checks every 3 months with a bit of a general physical.

I am probably not in the overly anxious mother category. I actually hate my son being put through blood tests and prodded and poked. I'm not saying I wouldn't tell Khaleb's doctor about something that was concerning but whatever it was would need to be getting worse and persistant.

It is hard not to be able to fix something that has gone wrong with your child. As a parent we just want to make everything better. Sadly, diabetes can't be fixed and we also have to live with the possibility that more problems could arise. In my position with Khaleb I just have to take it as it comes. I've had some bad news every year. Try to live as normal a life as possible.

 

[copepod]

It's pretty difficult to check a 2.5 year old for neuropathy, as they will treat it as tickling, when they actualy need to give clear indication of when they can feel being touched.

As Jan says, neuropathy is very unlikley so soon after diagnosis of diabetes (even if diagnosis was slightly delayed) and cold feet & hands and strange sensations can be indications of a different problem or even not a problem - I'm thinking here of a young boy I knew, who just hated wearing socks, and when his sister was born when he was about 3 years old, he kept pulling off her socks, because he didn't think she should have to wear things he didn't like. Finally, even if neuropathy is present, it may well improve / go away as blood glucose levels get under control - which won't be instantly.

So, don't worry too much - and don't label yourself over-anxious