I explained my son's situation with a local pediatric endocrinologist office and the NP said there is no such thing as pre diabetes in a 4 year old. He would either be type 1 or not have it. She also said he would not have type 2 unless he was extremely overweight(since he' only 4 yrs old). They asked if a HA1c was ordered and I told them no b/c my ped office said it would be negative. Apparently that is not true (which I knew)... it would show unless new onset. The NP said if he currently has type 1 he will get sick very quickly. I'm starting to think this was a fluke test that has been blown way out of proportion. I should add that all my questions have had to be through the medical assistant, not a nurse or his doctor. If the CNA has been giving me this info and it is not what his doctor is actually saying I am going to be really mad. I have been so upset for the past two weeks thinking about this. Now to find out there is no such thing as pre diabetes in a 4 year old has me believing someone doesn't know what they are talking about. His pediatrician should have known this right? The last time I actually spoke with his doctor was the day of his test and she told me not to worry unless his next test comes back high. All this prediabetes and changing his diet has been discussed through the CNA (which up until now have assumed everything she was telling me was coming from his doctor). His sugars seemed fine last night.
Sounds like you're right and this may turn out to be much ado about nothing. It does indeed seem this may have been caused by a CNA who knows just enough to get herself into trouble. Whatever happens, when all is said and done, I'd be sending a letter to the pediatrician's office to document that you were given this strange advice regarding pre-d and changing his diet to prevent toddler Type 2.
Not sure why they told you he was prediabetic. Did they do a finger-stick and get a high number? Just know the signs. Our DD was shaky about two week's before diagnosis (her legs were shaking from a low blood sugar). They can have high or low blood sugars before they become sick. Watch for great thirst, frequent urination, generally feeling under the weather. Watch for weight loss and especially lethargy. If any of these signs present, bring your son to the ER of the nearest children's hospital and have them test for Type 1 diabetes. There are often high and low blood sugars before diagnosis. The high blood sugars will come down with the help of the beta cells still secreting some insulin. At diagnosis, most of the beta cells have died off. If the pedi is doing a blood test, that will pick it up. Even if it comes back negative I would still keep an eye on him if they had picked up a high blood sugar from a finger-stick.
Thanks yes I will keep an eye out for symptoms. They said he was pre diabetic because his BS was 189 when he went in for a well visit. I still keep thinking it was because he was so upset after having shots. It had been over 3 hours since eating or drinking anything. We've checked his sugars after he goes to bed (because he sleeps through it) and they seem fine 77, 75 and last night was 89.
I plan on talking to the doctor about it. I hate making waves with people but this is my child and we have been so stressed out since his appointment. The part that bothers me is she is so adamant about it being impossible to be type 1 because he's "too young" and that it will definitely turn to type 2 unless his diet changes. Both statements are completely incorrect. I'll check in and let you all know what happens. I want to thank everyone for being so helpful. This is a great group you have here!
You are doing the right things by questioning the test, and the pre-diabetes pronouncement. Unless your child is abnormally obese - which it sounds like he is of normal size and weight - it cannot be type 2!
The test was probably a fluke. I would have your son retested just to rule out type one. If he is thirsty and peeing a lot, that is a sign of type one. If he does not feel well, that might be how it manifests itself. Those numbers look good that you have posted here though.
I would definitely let your pediatrician know about the CNA. A CNA should not be diagnosing your son. All they are supposed to do is assist during the appointment. They are not RNs or NPs!
Let us know how it all turns out. I hope the test was a fluke.
