Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

3/8/04

Q:
I was involved in a auto wreck. Months later I was diagnosed with diabetes. Could the trauma of the wreck triggered the onset of diabetes?

A:
If one is genetically disposed to diabetes, high stress situations can be a trigger. Infections/illness and auto wrecks can be examples here. Certain medications such as steroids can also be causal. If your onset of diabetes showed up as rapid weight loss, thirst, hunger and frequent urination, you may or may not be one who is on the path to insulin dependency. Hopefully by now, you have started your education, knowing that this is a very manageable disease, but does take focus and support.