Diabetes Questions & Answers
Your diabetes questions answered by our Experts and Community

The Question

10/13/08 11:33 PM

"is it possible for your pancreas to begin working normal again after being on insulin for over a year and not need insulin anymore?"

Asked By:

Category: Type 1

Background Info Hide

my 8 yr old was diagnosed when he was 6 ans was on insuline for over a year and then began to have normal blood sugars. so his dr and i descided to take him off his insuline and he has been off now for over 7 months and has only had about 6 highs since then. is this normal? and can this be possible? before his blood sugars wernt extremly too too high but they would run in the 190s to 250s, every now and then the would go higher but that was only if he had something he wasnt suppose to eat. now he can eat any thing and its not affecting him. this is confusing me. thanks for you advise on this matter

Expert Answers (1)

10/14/08 11:34 AM

The onset of Type 1 Diabetes often coincides with an illness or period of extreme stress, which impairs the immune system. If a person has a genetic propensity to the development of Type 1, the body may attack pancreatic islet cells which produce insulin, thus leading to a lack of insulin. Inside the Pancreas, however, there are multiple clusters of islet cells, and if one is fortunate enough to discover the problem early enough, and begins use of insulin therapy, the immune system may become distracted and stop attacking the unaffected islet cells clusters. Much of the research being done in the area of prevention of Type 1 Diabetes focuses on this period during the early development of symptoms, with treatments which include very aggressive management of blood glucose. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention at the first indication of symptoms of diabetes. I have been privileged to work with several individuals who were open to the use of insulin pump therapy during their early days of diabetes onset, and it has proven to be an effective tool, as it allows more precise management of blood glucose during this critical time. It is also the time to consider involvement in research which is focused on the prevention of diabetes. As for your sons’ diabetes, it is important for you to continue monitoring his blood glucose levels, particularly under periods of sickness and stress, in order to appropriately treat symptoms, and help prevent a future need for insulin. Eating balanced, healthy meals, with appropriate portion sizes, and moderation in the use of concentrated sweets, as well as involvement in regular activity and exercise, should remain a part of your sons’ health maintenance program. If you haven’t already done so, it may be helpful to contact the “Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet,” at the link below, as they are conducting Natural History Surveys, as well as research during the early stages of development of Type 1, in an effort to better assess factors which contribute to its development. Best to You, and Cheers to the Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes!

Answered By: Claire Blum

Accreditations: RN, CDE

Sources Show

(1 Answer)

Community Answers (1)

10/21/08 07:57 PM

My first endocrinologist explained to me that when you begin insulin after your initial diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, your body can go through a "honeymoon" phase. He explained the reduction in insulin (or not "needing it" anymore) is a normal but temporary response of the body during this initial diagnosis period. Eventually, this honeymoon phase disappears and the patient is treated with insulin for the remainder of their life. There is a blood test that can determine if your pancreas is still excreting insulin on its own and at what capacity. You mentioned your child is not experiencing high glucose levels lately. Are you testing him at the same times? If so, you could be unaware of other high glucose periods. In the beginning of my diagnosis of Type 1, I tested myself approximately 10-12 times a day. I would set my alarm for midnight, 3:00 am, etc., to see where I was at all times of the day. Fourteen years and many increased dosages of insulin later, I still check 5 to 8 times a day. Checking and recording are the only way to give some insight to the course of this disease. It will never make sense and will never remain constant, changing insulin dosages on a continuous basis is the only way to try and control the diabetes. I hope your child gets a long break from using insulin!!!!! Please help him enjoy his "honeymoon phase" while he can because (I'm sorry to hurt you) this disease is exactly that-an incurable, but hopefully treatable, disease. I wish you and your family the best!

Answered By: tarainterlante

FLAG

SourcesShow

(1 Answer)

Most Recent Type 1 Questions:

My A1c is 11.6. What do i have to do to get it to be 6.5?

How do I step in to help my husband who has diabetes and should I?

I am part of an RA pool therapy group. Can anyone suggest water exercises that will help neuropathy?

The physiology of stress (ie fight-flight adrenal/liver responses) some claim makes their BG plummet?! Need expert opinion. Cannot be... can it?

Looking to pump Type 1 for one yr,Im 48 and have good control but would like even more control

Is it possible to have 3 hypoglicemic status during a night?

Why does my insulin need drop to zero on week-long hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail (20+ miles/day, up and down mountains)?

*** All information contained on dLife.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Our Expert Q&A is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional or for professional medical advice related to diabetes or another medical condition. Please contact your physician or medical professional with any questions and concerns about your medical condition.

The Question

Expert Answers (1)

Community Answers (1)

Most Recent Type 1 Questions:

Browse Questions by Category