Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My six-year-old daughter has HMPV (human metapneumovirus) and type 1 diabetes, and we are really scared. Her blood sugar is staying above 400 even though we are giving her extra insulin. Is this normal with a viral infection? Her oxygen is dropping to 87 percent, and she is coughing so hard that she is vomiting. What can we do? How many ketones are too much before we should go to the ER (emergency room)? Her pump sites keep failing because of all the sweating. Should we switch to injections? Is it okay that she is only drinking sugar-free Gatorade?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern
This is a medical emergency, and you should take her to the emergency room right away.
Blood sugar over 400 milligrams/deciliters despite extra insulin could indicate that her body is not responding well to the infection.
Oxygen dropping to 87 percent shows she is having serious trouble breathing.
Severe coughing and vomiting insulin means she might not be getting enough insulin, which increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
The pump sites failing means she’s not getting steady insulin, so using shots is a better option for now.
When to go to the ER for DKA (though you should go now):
If her ketones are over 1.5 millimol/liter or showing as moderate to large on urine strips.
If she feels very thirsty, has a dry mouth, is confused, or is breathing rapidly these signs show that DKA may be getting worse and she needs urgent care.
Sugar-free Gatorade is fine if she’s drinking it and eating, but if she is not eating, she may need fluids with sugar.
Because she is vomiting, she will likely need IV fluids and IV insulin at the hospital to safely lower her blood sugar. She may also need oxygen if her oxygen levels stay low, as low oxygen can cause brain damage.
Please get her to the emergency room as soon as possible.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Nawrin Hossain
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Will HMPV exposure worsen asthma in a 7-year-old?
Can HMPV cause serious complications in those with weakened immune systems?
What are the ways to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis?
Drugs that Cause Diabetic Ketoacidosis - An Overview
Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Type 1 Diabetes Related to Immune System.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.