Does My Child Have Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops when the body no longer makes insulin, or the insulin it makes doesn’t work well. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin is needed to control blood glucose levels. Diabetes is diagnosed by blood tests and a medical exam.
Your child's medical team will perform these tests and will talk to you about past medical history and recent symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of diabetes are:
- increased thirst
- frequent urination
- weight loss
- increased glucose (sugar) level
- ketones in the urine or blood
- dehydration
- blurry vision
- change in appetite
- fatigue
Tests That May Be Used to Diagnose Diabetes
- Blood tests to check for high glucose levels
- Urine tests
The medical team will discuss the findings of the tests and a plan of care for your child.
Treatment for Diabetes May Include
- Insulin injections
- Other types of diabetes medications
- Glucose monitoring
- Physical activity and healthy eating
- Brief hospital admission
If Your Child Has Diabetes
- If the test results show that your child has diabetes, your medical team will arrange for medical treatment and diabetes education.
- Cincinnati Children’s multidisciplinary care team will care for your child with a family- centered approach.
Ongoing medical care and education are essential for successful life-long diabetes management.
Long-Term Outlook
Diabetes is a life-long disease that can be successfully managed to allow your child to lead a healthy and active life. There are many resources for families that provide further information and support.
Diabetes Resources
- American Diabetes Association (ADA), 1-800-DIABETES
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 1-800-533CURE (2873)
- American Association of Diabetes Educators, 1-800-338-3633
- Children with Diabetes Foundation
- Cincinnati Children’s Diabetes Center, 513-636-2444
