THE DIABETIC child is subject to the same febrile illnesses which the nondiabetic child experiences. Aspirin and the various salicylate substitutes are commonly prescribed for control of fever. As the majority of febrile illnesses are of brief duration, it was considered worthwhile to establish the effect of short-term salicylate and salicylate substitute administration on the blood glucose levels of juvenile diabetics.
The effect of salicylates on blood glucose levels has been recognized almost from the time the salicylates were first used as antipyretic agents in 1875.1 Shortly thereafter, reports appeared on the treatment of diabetes mellitus with sodium salicylate and acetylsalicylic acid.2
Much of the clinical experience concerning the effect of salicylates on blood glucose has been the result of observations made following accidental overdosage.3,4 Many reports record elevated blood glucose levels and/or glycosuria.5 A few reports describe hypoglycemic levels,6 while others indicate no alteration