Accutane

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Mel Posted: Fri, Sep 4 2009 11:31 AM

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My son is newly diagnosed...in July.  We are trying to find information about Accutane and it's relation to diabetes. Anyone know anything about this.... He is experiencing low blood sugar so is decreasing his insulin... almost seems like he doesn't have type 1. Could there be a misdiagnosis...possibly related to taking the Accutane?  Any help appreciated.

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Ron AKA replied on Fri, Sep 4 2009 12:16 PM

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Looking at the Accutane Prescribing Information, I see they indicate some have issues with BG control while taking it, and there are reports of diabetes diagnosis, but no relationship has been established with Accutane. See bottom of page 23.

Low BG is serious and you should be keeping very close track of it. While there may be a possibility of a misdiagnosis, it is not uncommon for type 1's to have a 'honeymoon' period after diagnosis. Your best bet is to track BG closely and stay in contact with the doctor for advice.

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Debbie Butler replied on Tue, Sep 8 2009 3:36 PM

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Mel, I agree with what Ron wrote.  Most likely your son is experiencing the "honeymoon" phase of diabetes where he may require less insulin because his body may still be making some insulin. This website link provides more information about the "honeymoon phase" of diabetes.:   http://www.joslin.org/managing_your_diabetes_572.asp

I would also encourage you to talk to your son's health care team about his insulin dosing to see if it needs to be changed.  Good luck!

-Debbie Butler, LICSW, CDE

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Joyce Melton replied on Wed, Feb 24 2010 5:10 PM

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Its been a while since you posted but my son was on accutane and diagnosed about 6 weeks later with Type 1 (in December 2009) He had a A1C of 11.5 and was put on Lantus and Novolog but he is now in a honeymoon phase and is off of all insulin and has an A1C of 7.5. He was off the accutane for a month but is back on it now and he has normal blood sugars with no insulin. But he had high antibody levels so the doctors say it is just a matter of time till he has to go back on the insulin. I am researching possible clinical trials to try and maintain his honeymoon. Is your son still in the honeymoon phase? Did you find out any more information linking the Accutane to his diagnosis or to trouble controlling bs levels?