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 treatment and diabetes education. 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
For more information on diabetes, see diabetes-related support resources at the bottom of the Patient and Family Resources | Diabetes Center page.
