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night fits

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laralady

Newbie
Messages
3
Hello can anyone give advise please? My stepson lives with his mother for most of the week so my partner and I have no idea of his insulin consumption when he is there he is a type 1 and takes his insulin after meal times as discussed at his last visit. He has had a fit this evening and is in hospital. Questions one at a time from a beginner and an avid learner.

1. What causes a night time fit?
2. Is there any truth in the insulin split between last meal and bedtime?
3. He does little or no exercise is that an issue?
4. Why does the fit happen only at night?

Thanks in advance. :?:
 
Not an expert but will fill in till someone with more knowlege comes along.


1 I would say an excess of insulin.

2 Don't understand this. But could be OK if Basal insulin only?

3 I find exercise helps lower glucose levels so will reduce somewhat levels on insulin needed.

4 To answer this and all above it would help to know what insulin he is using and what dosage he is taking.
 
Hi laralady,

1. If his night-time fit is purely diabetes related, i.e. he has no other health issues which could have caused it, then he has had a hypo. This happens when blood sugar falls below a minimum level needed for the brain to function properly. A loss of consciousness and physical spasms are common symptoms.

2. A night time hypo is more likely if basal insulin is administered in a single dose at bedtime. If he was to split his basal dose in two, one before bed and one in the morning, this would be a much smaller risk. He would also probably find his blood sugars more stable throughout the day.

3. Exercise is an important factor too. It has the effect of making insulin work more effectively and can cause blood sugar levels to fall unexpectedly as a result. Exercise is important for his health, but he should be careful to monitor his blood sugar before and after and alter his insulin doses or food if necessary.

4. Hypo's are a possibility at any time of day when you inject insulin. Night time hypo's are probably the biggest risk since he won't be aware of the symptoms as his blood sugar falls during sleep. Splitting the dose is the answer!

All the best,

fergus
 
Hi,
I think Fergus has given good advice but I would have thought it was very important to work out some means of continuity/ means of conveying information between what he does in the week and at weekends.
Does he have a logbook with his glucose readings and insulin doses? Many (most?) type 1s keep some sort of records, it helps identify patterns so aiding control. If he does fill one in and has it with him at weekends you would be able to look back to see whats been happening during the week. Another alternative is to use the one touch ultrasmart meter which has a built in logbook (and may appeal to adolescents who like gadgets)
 
I'm with Fergus's explanation AND Phoenix's suggestion. Your stepson needs to have BOTH his parents directly invovled in his care, even when he's old enough to take over most of it for himself. Do you say how old he is?
There's always a risk, with parents who live apart with other partners, that the poor child gets used as a weapon between them and being vindictive takes precedent over the child's welfare.
I hope this isn't the case here.
If the relationship between his parents is a positive one, then the non-custodial parent should have copies of everything relating to the child's health.
Hana
 
thanks to all. To answer a few questions. He is 14 and has both parents on board with all medication.

He had no dinner then ate inappropriate food and had alcohol.

Teens are selfish yes but as his sister was dragged out his bed and his grandparents all until 3am this seems selfish to me.

Thank you and apologies if i have wasted anyone's time I feel stupid for showing concern.
 
HI Laralady,
Just wanted to say, please don't apologise for being concerned for your stepson, i also am a step parent and i know how hard it is to be a so called 'bystander', wanting to do the best for the child but not wanting to standing on anyones 'toes'. Your step son is very lucky to have you in his life.
Be careful he doesn't use your concern as a weapon, teenagers can be very manipulative (i've been there) but do explain the dangers to him of him mistreating his management of diabetes.
Take care and good luck,
Suzi x
 
The alcohol was probably a factor.

Alcohol lowers blood sugar some hours after consumption, making a night hypo more likely. Usually, if a T1's blood sugar goes too low and they don't wake up, then the liver will rescue them by dumping glucose into the bloodstream to raise blood sugar. But after drinking alcohol, the liver will prioritise dealing with the alcohol before dumping glucose in the event of low blood sugar. This combination can have very serious - even fatal - consequences. I'm sorry if this makes you worry even more, but your stepson must understand that far beyond your disapproval of his actions, he also put himself in a very dangerous situation.
 
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