sick with low glucose levels

Dear doctor,

This is to discuss a problem with my 16 years old daughter. She is sick and her glucose levels are always in its low. But insulin levels seem to be steady at 76 and not going down further. I am very much concerned and confused with this.

Thanks for your question. As I understood, you are concerned with your teenaged daughter’s low blood glucose level. Also you are confused with her insulin level which remains unchanged over a period of time. Is she ever diagnosed with diabetes? If yes, which one is it? Type one or type two? What is her body nature? Is she overweight or obese or normal?  Knowing these factors will give a more clear picture on what is going wrong with her. It is common in most people with type two diabetes, that they are mostly insulin resistant to a certain level. Their pancreas might be producing insulin as normal but not getting utilized properly. Insulin, in this case cannot open the receptors to allow glucose which is used up as fuel inside the cells. Insulin levels in such a person will be usually higher as they are insulin resistant. Pancreas of such a person will be producing more and more insulin so as to reduce glucose levels. As a result, pancreas wears out and insulin production decreases and ceases. This might be what happening with your daughter. It is recommended to keep a healthy and normal BMI (body mass index) and to do physical exercises daily. This can help in metabolism. Metformin also helps in decreasing insulin resistance.  You have mentioned that your daughter is sick. If you mean it to some illness or disease, immediately get some medical attention from primary care provider. The doctor will examine and give necessary suggestions for further maintaining of glucose levels and diabetes if got diagnosed with.

Hope your daughter will get well soon. Good luck.