Help She Wont Eat

[Norajane]

My three year old will not eat and she has been low low low. I am at my wits end I want to yell and scream but it's wrong! What do I do? Candy - she doesn't want it - threats - she laughs in my face. Show her the big needle...YAWN! I want to scream!

[hallenbeckfamily]

Would she eat if you took her to Mcdonald's? My not be the best food but its food,just a thought~Jennifer

[Kirsten]

Sounds like its time for frosting. Do you have a tube of frosting? We keep one for emergencies. Squirt the whole thing into her cheek. She doesn't have to swallow it. It can be absorbed through her cheek. Call your endo, if she's really low, they may instruct you to do a mini-dose of glucagon.

GL!

Kirsten

[LantusFiend]

My endo says, in an emergency, call 911 and they'll do an IV glucose injection. Then don't go to the hospital.
I'm not sure if this works for kids, if you can decline the hospital visit after getting the emergency folks.

[Budapest]

Well, how low is "low, low, low?"

One thing we learnt fast with our 2-yr old is not to over react. The frequently recommended 10-15g of carbs for a low is WAY too much. If he is below 70 we give 2-3g. Below 60 maybe 5g.

As far as sporadic eating (and I assume exercises), did you consider the pump? With a fairly well adjusted pump they can give up eating for two days if they want to (more or less :D ).

[Boo]

Is this happening regularly, or just today? Is she getting sick? Can you get her to drink her carbs today (juice, dare I say it...regular soda). If it is happening regularly, then I'd suggest decreasing her insulin doses a bit.

[Ellen]

I know you're scared and don't want her to pass out. I also know you don't want to offer her every food on earth each time it's time to eat. Everyone should have a choice - apple or orange etc. We can't offer a smorgasbord to our kids at each and every meal although we feel compelled to do so out of fear they won't otherwise eat. BTDT.

I suggest you read the book Sweet Kids by Brackenridge and Rubin. Although it's a bit outdated, it gives great advice for avoiding food battles with little ones. She may believe if she doesn't eat, she won't need insulin....but she's so little and it's unlikely you can reason with her. You may want to try to be really calm and say "ok, let me know when you feel hungry." A 3 year old may really enjoy controlling the situation. Try to find a mantra like "do not engage" (in the battle). When she gets less attention from not eating, she may find she's actually hungry.