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raybee

Member
Messages
6
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi .my son aged 9 was admitted to hospital. He has addisons disease and whilst checking his bloods .my monitor showed 29.5.brought him in to hospital and was told he's probably a diabetic type 1d .suddenly he's started on insulin n we are currently waiting to be seen by any diabetic team. I'm a little confused as to what tests can prove he has it.we went from probably to injecting just like that . I feel unconvinced as last night they forgot his long acting insulin n he seemed fine with his level.should they not of gone high.....also to night he had it but levels have dropped.to 4.please can anyone advise on how I double check he has it .and what levels should I be seeing yours rachael (confused n worried mum)
 
You really need to be seen by a dsn as soon as possible. High of 29.5 is certainly not right and indicates diabetes. When I was diagnosed it was very similar and the reason was the honeymoon period. Once you start injecting it gives the pancreas a rest and in some people allows insulin production to intermittently resume, this however will not last forever. Good luck with the diabetes team hope you get seen real soon
 
Yeah, 29 is definitely diabetic levels, and likely type 1..........

I had a similar experience back when I was diagnosed in 1999, my mum and dad brought me in, blood was taken and that was it, no one actually told me I was diabetic.....

during the first days of diagnosis in hospital the insulin doses can be almost nothing because of as mentioned, the pancreas is still functioning intermittently and can do so for a while...

I think you should sit down with someone as ask all the questions you have to for reassurance......it is clear that he is diabetic though.....

don't worry too much, everything will be OK....
 
Hi Raybee,
You must be total shock/melt down. Even though it's hard for you and easy for me to say this don't worry both conditions can be managed very well.
Your son's blood sugars will go up and down like a yoyo to start with as his pancreas coughs and splutters before it gives up the ghost. This is called the honeymoon period.
Having Addison's for an extra bonus does tend to make control a bit harder so once you have come to grips with carbohydrate counting ask and insist on an insulin pump this makes things so much easier.
I speak from experience as have both conditions.
Wishing you and your son the very best.
 
It's normal to be in denial and certainly to not yet be convinced. My story three months ago is very similar to your son's.

Like your son, I was admitted into the hospital with a blood sugar of 28+ (the meter didn't read higher than that).
Like your son, I was immediately started on insulin (levemir only and first).
Like your son, I can still look and feel fine if I don't take my insulin(I will explain that later).
HOWEVER....That does not mean nothing is wrong.

Just like @Type1Bri mentioned, this sounds like the honeymoon phase. There is a HUGE difference between making some insulin and making no insulin. To put that to perspective, I'm currently able to still survive WITHOUT insulin, but it is incredibly difficult (I have to all but remove carbs from my diet).

Long story short and to answer your question: A c-peptide and GAD antibody test usually confirms the diagnosis. Those tests are usually reserved for people who don't know if they have type 1 diabetes or type 2. To be honest, the test that confirms your son has diabetes are the repeated tests over 7 mmol/l (much less 29.5). By definition that is diabetes.

We can't diagnose people on the Internet, but you need to begin coming to terms with the fact that your son probably (almost certainly) has diabetes.

I say that for your sake mentally and for your son's wellbeing. Unfortunately, there are parents who can't accept their children's diagnosis. Some are so far in denial that they have unintentionally put their children's health at risk. I'm not at all suggesting you are guilty of this, but there have been members on this forum who have done exactly that.

-Continue to question what you hear until you get definitive answers. It may not necessarily be what you WANT to hear, but make sure there aren't any doubts.
-Engaging other people with diabetes is incredibly helpful. It's the single most valuable thing I've done in the last 3 months since my T1 diagnosis.
-The miracle treatment for T1 is artificial insulin. HOWEVER, there is no miracle CURE (at least not yet). Please don't start giving your son supplements or experimenting with non-conventional medicine. Unfortunately, I've seen too many parents do that hoping they can cure their children, but ultimately making things worse.

We are all here to help and I wish you and your son the best. Obviously, it's never good news to hear, and it's a scary time for you both I know. However, the way I look at it is this: Good management realistically affects my day-to-day routine, but I do that so it won't effect my life long-term. I want it to be an "Annoyance" rather than let it become something greater.
 
Hi. It will be T1 diabetes. I would at the moment carry on with the Basal and Bolus insulin, assuming your son uses both, and adjust the doses based on guidance from the hospital or DN. Use the meter often to avoid your son going hypo thru too much insulin.

Edited by a mod to remove potentially confusing statement
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi .my son aged 9 was admitted to hospital. He has addisons disease and whilst checking his bloods .my monitor showed 29.5.brought him in to hospital and was told he's probably a diabetic type 1d .suddenly he's started on insulin n we are currently waiting to be seen by any diabetic team. I'm a little confused as to what tests can prove he has it.we went from probably to injecting just like that . I feel unconvinced as last night they forgot his long acting insulin n he seemed fine with his level.should they not of gone high.....also to night he had it but levels have dropped.to 4.please can anyone advise on how I double check he has it .and what levels should I be seeing yours rachael (confused n worried mum)
Thanks for advise people .he is a diabetic type 1.out of hospital for the new year.now I have to get my head around managing that and his addisons disease.i guess it's gonna be a bumpy road we travel down .thanks again x
 
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