When is it dangerous????

[djones34]

I am trying to find out if the situation we are in is as bad as I am thinking..My nephew was just recently hospitalized and then diagnosed with diabetes. He is five and his parents are divorced. When he is with his mother, his blood sugar levels range from 300 to 500 which from what all I have read is DANGEROUSLY high. His insulin is adjusted to those high sugars. When he gets to his dad's home where the diet and activity is much more controlled, he goes really low and the dad is constantly feeding him to keep the levels up. The mother refuses to adhere to the diet- for instance, feeding the child 2 bowls of Reese's Puffs cereal at his afternoon snack!- Or, pop tarts, big league chewing gum, cake. etc. The father has begged her to go more by the diet and even tried to explain how important it is. She just denies that she is doing wrong and says he won't be an outcast at her home.

My question is --Is this really dangerous? Today his sugar was at 551 when his dad picked him up. The doctor seems like this is all normal or at the most will tell us that WE need to talk to her. I read about diabetes and it seems to me that she is putting him at risk for major complications now and in the future..Which is it??

[JDRF-Team-wak]

Yes, those numbers are very high for a child of that age. A child that age usually has a range of @80-160. Depending on the doctor and the child.  The mom is running the risk of having the child develop complications later on but more importantly ketoneacidosis now.  The first time this child goes in to the hospital with this problem is when she will realized how serious this disease is,( I hope it never happens) It is unfortunate.  The child’s endocrinologist (a specialist in diabetes care) should talk to the mom and make her understand how important it is too keep the numbers in the normal range.
The mom needs to know that the child is not an outcast unless she thinks that way.  The best diet for a child with diabetes is a balanced diet.  My daughter is a type one.  She has what the others do but in moderation.  She has one bowl of cereal. (Serving size on the box)  If she is still hungry she has cheese, which is a free no carb food.  This way she still has what the others do, but it is balanced.  A nutrionist would also probably help the mom understand how the food affects the blood sugars.    Hope all goes well.  Good luck to all.

[nurse12hr]

Consider contacting Child Protective Services if the situation does not improve.  Your nephew cannot speak for himself in this matter--and someone MUST.

Mom needs to be held accountable to follow the medical advice.  The situation is just as dangerous as if the child was being abused--long term health problems, even death, can occur.

[justthinking]

I know I am knew here but I can tell you that the child would be removed (and should be if this is going on) and I second a call to CPS.