Most children are sent to the Emergency Department (ED) by their doctor, clinic, or from family concerns. Symptoms that may cause these concerns are:
- increased thirst
- increased urination (using the bathroom a lot)
- weight loss
- fatigue (feeling tired)
- increased glucose level (increased sugar level, also called hyperglycemia)
To determine if your child has diabetes, the medical team will check your child's blood and urine and talk with you about past medical history and recent symptoms.
The doctors are looking at the glucose level (sugar) in the blood and urine, and the level of ketones (a chemical) in the urine. Ketones and a high sugar level can mean the body is not getting enough insulin, which is needed for energy, and so the body must use fat or muscle for energy.
A normal blood sugar level is 60-110 and there should be no sugar or ketones in the urine. Once the test results are received from the lab, which usually takes about one hour, the doctors will then be able to discuss a preliminary diagnosis and the plan of care with you.
What will happen while my child is here in the Emergency Department?
Your child will need to give a urine sample. Usually, blood is obtained and an IV (little plastic straw) is placed in your child's arm or hand. If needed, this IV can then be used to give fluids (salt water) or medications like insulin.
Sometimes, insulin needs to be given as an injection (a shot in the arm or leg). Your child will be watched closely while in the Emergency Department; however, please notify a doctor or nurse if you notice your child experiencing a sudden severe headache, sudden increased sleepiness from which your child is difficult to awake, or unusual change in behavior such as sudden increased fussiness or irritability.
You are encouraged to share your concerns and questions with the medical staff in the Emergency Department.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas or a defect of insulin receptors. The body cannot produce enough insulin to use sugar as energy correctly. It is a chronic illness that requires daily care and monitoring. The exact cause of diabetes is unknown and still being researched.
There are two types of diabetes: type I or insulin dependent diabetes, which is also called juvenile diabetes because it is most often diagnosed in children, and type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, which is also called adult onset diabetes because it is most often diagnosed in adults.
What if my child does indeed have diabetes?
If the doctors determine that your child does have Type I diabetes, then your child will be admitted to the hospital for approximately 2-3 days. During this time, you will learn a great deal about diabetes and how to care for your child. A parent or guardian is encouraged to be with their child and spend the night.
Please discuss any questions or concerns you might have with the medical team while learning about your child's diabetes. Child life specialists are professionals who can help your child and any siblings cope with having diabetes, so please ask your nurse, or call 513-636-8855 to contact a child life specialist.
When discharged from the hospital, you will be scheduled for follow-up education with a diabetes nurse specialist. You will also be given phone numbers to reach medical staff with any questions you might have after discharge.
What will life be like for my child with diabetes and our family?
Diabetes is a treatable and controllable chronic illness. With care and monitoring, children can lead normal, happy, full lives. There are many resources that can provide further information and support. The medical team will be happy to direct you to those resources when you are ready or you can contact the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606.
Diabetes Resources
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
1-800-DIABETES http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDF)
1-800-JDFCURE http://www.jdfcure.org/
American Association of Diabetes Educators
1-800-338-3633
Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation
http://www.diabeteswellness.net/ (offers free diabetes identification jewelry)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1-800-311-3435 www.cdc.gov/doc.do/id/0900f3ec802723eb
Children with Diabetes Foundation
http://www.cwdfoundation.org/
National Diabetes Education Program
1-800-860-8747 http://www.ndep.nih.gov/
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
1-201-699-2847 www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm
Sugarbugs
1-888-699-2847 http://www.sugarbugs.org/ (especially for kids)
Patient Education Program I (1075)
Rev. 3/07
