Could high levels of testosterone could also be an issue? Testosterone apparently causes insulin resistance, resulting in high blood sugars. I know of a 16 year old who is on 160 units of insulin a day. According to his mother, it is because of testosterone induced insulin resistance.
Mark
Hello again,
I have to comment on the diet portion of your question.
I do not think there is anything wrong with low carb "MEALS" for a type 1 diabetic, but a Zero to Low Carb "DIET" might not be a good idea for a person living with type 1.
Please seek advice from your son's Endocrinologist.
As I stated yesterday, it sounds like he had been in the "honeymoon phase".
Hello Tookie's Mom,
I am one of the volunteers here. I am NOT a medical professional, so my advice is based on my experience in caring for my son, now 10 who was diagnosed at the age of 3. My sister is also type 1 (diagnosed 2 years before my son) - when she was 24, she is now 33.
Has your son been testing for ketones when his BG is above 250?
***Also, I am almost 100% Positive that a "zero to low carb diet" is not healthy and potentially dangerous for type 1 diabetics.
Another thing...although we have all been told that exercise (physical activity) can lower the blood sugar, if a diabetic has high blood sugar and then exercises, the blood sugar can actually go higher. It is most likely an individual thing. If my son's BG is 350 or higher, I do not allow him to exercise (ride his bike, run around, whatever) until his BG goes down. Also, he always tests for ketones if his BG is above 250. My son's Endocrinologist had always told us that if Charlie had moderate or higher ketones to give him 1 - 1.5 extra units of humalog. I am NOT telling you to do this. I do know that this method has always worked for us to get rid of ketones.
I have another comment. There is something called the "honeymoon phase". I have read that it can last up to 18 months. (If anyone has different info, please post) In the honeymoon phase, the pancreas is still making insulin, so you might see a lot of good numbers.
***I found the information below while searching on the Internet.
"I was told that Atkins diet was dangerous to diabetics ?
This diet can be extremely dangerous to Type I diabetics, but can actually help Type II diabetics by helping regulate insulin levels. Many diabetics have been able to reduce, or even eliminate their medication. Check with your doctor before starting this diet, and before reducing any medications."
What comes to my mind is to:
1) Stop having your son on a zero-low carb diet IMMEDIATELY
2) Make an appointment with his Endocrinologist
3) Have him keep a log of his blood sugars, so the doc and you and your son can see if there is a pattern
4) Ask his doctor above what BG reading should your son NOT exercise
5) Possibly ask his doc about having him see or get referred to a Nutritionist/Dietician
6) Test for ketones if above 250 (Not saying he is not doing so already)
It was difficult for me to understand the time frame. How long ago was he admitted to the hospital?
We can have weeks of great BG's and then BOOM they are wacko. My son is only 10 and growing, so his insulin demand will always be changing.
I do have to mention that after 6-1/2 yrs. of shots, my son went on the insulin pump last August and we love it!!!! Just something to think about. It allows my son to be a lot more flexible as to how many carbs he eats and when, whereas on shots, we had a strict amount of carbs he was allowed per meal and per snack.
Please keep us posted!