Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

Childhood","Childhood diabetes is when the pancreas in a child does not produce enough insulin on its own. In order to survive, insulin injections need to be incorporated as well as diet regulation. If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, find support and share your experiences here. Caring for a child with diabetes is challenging. We're here for you."

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mom-of-3 07/12/2013

Although my son drinks excessively - I thought it might be because he smokes cigarettes (and maybe pot) and drinks alcohol. That said - I wrote a nurse addiction expert thinking she would verify my reasoning that his water drinking is because of his behavior. She surprised me by telling me to have him tested for diabetes - ASAP.

He's out of town right now - but in the meantime - can I buy a kit at a local drugstore to find out? If so, is it simple to do and about how much does it cost?

Thanks

deleted_user 07/14/2013

It sounds like blood glucose testing is a good idea as thirst is a red flag.,,
WalMart's Relion (sp) meter , according to posters, and is the cheapest. No script is necessary. Strips is sold separately from the meter and that is where they make their money, I use the AcuCheck Aviva and they include a few, 10 think with the meter, Check on the various meters and strips as the total price is the consideration.

Test
AM when he first gets up.
Before meal
1-2 hours after a meal
Before he goes to bed.

If you need help in interpreting the test results post them here.

Betty32506
LADA (type 1)

deleted_user 07/15/2013

You can buy a testing kit but really he needs to see a doctor asap - if he is diabetic he needs insulin prescribed.

I know this is not your priority right now, but he also really needs to quit smoking. If he is diabetic smoking is the worst thing for his health. My dad passed away because he was a type 1 who smoked, and didn't look after himself.

I wish you and your son the best. If he is diagnosed do come here if you need help.

deleted_user 08/26/2013

He's not diabetic, if he was then you would know. He wouldn't have survived a week or two w/o insulin. Yo sound worried, dont be. He might just like to stay hydrated.

grannie 08/26/2013

Take him to a Doctor and get a Lab test done that is the sure way to find out.

deleted_user 08/26/2013

I was diagnosed a week before my 22nd birthday. I was drinking 2 gallons of water a day. I went like this for a month before diagnosis. I finally got tested after I checked my urine and realized it was like koolaid.

With sudden onset diabetes, it takes a few weeks for all the insulin producing cells to die. DO NOT IGNORE THIRST, GET HIM TESTED NOW. I lost 20 lbs and went from a skinny white boy to a skeleton of a white boy. My blood sugar was at 890 when I walked into the Dr's office. My vision is permanently damaged from the time I spent at elevated blood sugar levels.

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