new to list/ques about teens
Hi,
My name is Chris Scarborough and I have a 15 year old son who has
been on the Minimed pump for about 2 years. It has been really good
for him, his bg control, and for the whole family- the pump has been
a real blessing to all of us.
Here’s my question- Although about 80% of the time his bg control is
excellent, every now and then he has a difficult peroid of about 2-3
weeks.
For example when things are going well he is usually 100-135 at
bedtime. But during the "difficult" periods he seems to be either
high (200-250) or lowish (60-90) at bedtime. And we can’t seem to
get back on track with adjustment of basals.
The "lowish" bg levels at bedtime concern us because he had had a
tendency to drop suddenly and have severe reactions in the middle of
the night, so we like to see him above 100 at bedtime, for safety’s
sake.
I understand that as a 15 year old, it could just be caused by his
growth/hormones, etc.
Any thoughts?…suggestions?
December 23rd, 2005 at 1:58 am
<< I understand that as a 15 year old, it could just be caused by his
growth/hormones, etc.
>>
Thats what I was going to say. I know being a diabetic myself for 33yrs
sometimes there are just unexplained things you never know why it happens.
Maybe someone will have a better explaination. It sounds like for the most
part he is doing great. Like you said I would just make sure his BGs are at
least 100 b4 bed. Although highs are bad too, lows are much more dangerous.
Good luck. Chrissy
December 23rd, 2005 at 11:59 am
I know myself I go through the same type of situations. I can be running
fine for 2 or 3 months at a time then I will hit a period of 2 or 3 weeks
where my sugar will start to sky rocket for no apparent reason.
I usually have to address it by raising my basil rate slightly especially in
the morning hours. There are so many factors involved, stress, possible
illness, in your sons sake he is still growing. When you get sick your
insulin requirements do increase and if he is very sensitive diabetic a
slight cold or anything at all could trigger higher levels. The educators
tell me they have never seen a person that is so sensitive to insulin.
Maybe you should take a look at the 72 hour Continuous Glucose Monitor to
get a better idea what is going on at night. I was shocked myself to find
out while I was sleeping my sugar was dropping down to 40. Then you wake up
close to normal. This also could trigger higher levels throughout the day
because of the adrelin released by your body can cause highs. Get in touch
with your diabetic educator, it is an option you may want to look into.
December 23rd, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Hi Chris: yes, it’s probably all the surges in growth hormones and teens
definitely have problems with "good control".
What does his endocrinologist say?
You might log on to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation to inquire; also
www.diabeteswell.com is an excellent resource for yourself and your son as
well. He is probably working quite hard in controlling his glucose.
All kids should be on pump….it makes such a difference in quality of life
and in normality.
I would suggest keeping a log of his bgs. Over time you may be able to note
a pattern and relate it to some particular activity. Might be an idea to
adjust his nighttime basal levels by a 1/10th of a unit to tweak and fine
tune it. That will prevent those real lows….also check out www.medscape.com
go to endocrinology and search out adolescents and diabetes. Might help you
to know what the current literature is that’s out there on research….Joan:))