How can we stabilize her blood sugar and ease her stomach pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 10-year-old niece has had type 1 diabetes for a few years, but recently her condition has become harder to manage. Her blood sugar levels have been inconsistent, with a fasting reading of 230 milligrams/deciliters even though she did not eat the night before. She also often complains of stomach pain, which is worrying for our family. Her pediatrician mentioned the possibility of insulin resistance, but I thought that was more common in type 2 diabetes, so I am confused about how it could apply to her. We are also concerned that these symptoms might point to another issue, like hormonal problems. Could this be an early sign of precocious puberty or something similar to PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), even though she is young? What other complications related to type 1 diabetes should we be aware of? Are there specific tests we should consider to better understand her symptoms and get the right care? Any advice on how to stabilize her blood sugar levels while addressing her stomach pain would be really helpful.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern

The symptoms suggest the need to evaluate for diabetic ketoacidosis or gastroparesis, both of which are linked to type 1 diabetes. While insulin resistance is rare in type 1 diabetes, it can happen, especially if there is weight gain or hormonal changes related to puberty. Conditions like celiac disease or Addison's disease should also be checked through antibody tests and hormone panels. Using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can help stabilize her blood sugar levels. It is important to consult a pediatric endocrinologist to adjust her insulin regimen and investigate other possible issues, including early hormonal changes or conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.