Robert Ferry

Hello Maam, Your doctor can order islet cell antibodies, four widely available blood tests to confirm or exclude type 1 diabetes mellitus. Alternatively, you can find a pediatric endocrinologist close to you via this search tool who could order and interpret such antibody results: https://apps.pedsendo.org/find_a_doctor/index.cfm Respectfully, Dr. Ferry CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and its attachments contain confidential and privileged materials protected by law, the Privacy Act, the attorney work product privilege, and/or the attorney-client privilege. This message is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named in the communication. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, copying, or storage of this message or any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this correspondence in error, please notify Dr. Ferry, the sender at once, by calling 210-361-3738, and destroy this email, any attachments, and any copies you have made or stored on any media.

Early signs of diabetes mellitus can include fatigue, weight loss, excessive thirst, excessive urination, urinary incontinence, urinary infection, vaginal yeast infection, excessive hunger, or darkening of skin over the back of the neck and other skin folds (e.g., armpits, under the breast, the waistline, etc.). Your healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus by a simple, inexpensive, finger stick to check the blood sugar level.

Mrs. Winsome Johnston of New Zealand was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 6 and has lived with T1D for over 84 years into her 90s. By closely following legitimate medical advice and maintaining a positive attitude, someone diagnosed with T1D today can expect to live more than 50 years after diagnosis. Of course, other diseases can affect anyone's lifespan.

A simple blood draw for basic thyroid function tests is usually adequate to detect hypothyroidism. Discuss your concern with your primary care provider. For deeper discussion, consult with a pediatric endocrinologist.

Take your child promptly to your primary care provider or the closest emergency department. There they will check the level of sugar in your child's blood to diagnose diabetes.

Explaining and demonstrating the procedure on a doll, while answering questions and addressing fears, may allay a child's fear. If possible, allowing her/him to pick the site for the blood draw may also help calm her/him. Allowing your 7 year old to play her/his favorite video game, hold her/his favorite toy, or listen to her/his favorite music can calm and distract her/him before and during a blood draw. Holding her/his hand during the procedure helps too.