What is diabetes?

Diabetes causes high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It can be life-threatening if undiagnosed or poorly managed.

Glucose levels are normally controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. Diabetes develops when the pancreas doesn’t work properly, or when the body doesn’t use insulin properly.

There are different types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

The most common type of diabetes in children is type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition.

Type 1 diabetes is usually an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops using insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in younger adults, but it is very rare in young children.

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children under 5?

It can be hard to spot the symptoms of diabetes in young children. Symptoms normally develop quickly and include:

• unexplained severe thirst (your child will drink much more than usual)
• unexplained severe hunger
• urinating (weeing) more — if your child is already toilet trained, they may start having accidents
• fatigue, weakness and moodiness
• unexplained weight loss
• a yeast infection (thrush) in the mouth or diaper area

If your child has these symptoms, see your doctor urgently.

If your child’s blood glucose level is very high, they may develop a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms of DKA can include:

• fast breathing
• breath that smells like nail polish remover
• dehydration
• abdominal pain and vomiting
• confusion or drowsiness

What causes diabetes?

The causes of type 1 diabetes are not known, although it can run in families. There is nothing you can do to prevent your child from developing type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes also runs in families, but there are other risk factors, including:

• being overweight or living with obesity
• having an unhealthy diet
• not getting enough physical activity

If you had diabetes when you were pregnant (gestational diabetes), your baby is at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask your child about their symptoms and examine them.

Diabetes can be diagnosed with a blood test. Your child may also have a urine test.

A first diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in a child is a medical emergency. If your doctor suspects your child has diabetes, they will refer you to the local hospital emergency department.

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How is type 1 diabetes treated in young children?

Insulin treatment

Your child will need treatment with insulin several times a day to keep their blood sugar at steady levels. Insulin may be given by injection or with an insulin pen, or through an insulin pump. This is a small device worn 24 hours a day that delivers insulin through a tiny plastic tube inserted under the skin. Insulin pumps are not suitable for every child, so discuss this with your doctor.

Your child may be eligible for a subsidy from the Australian Government to buy an insulin pump. Find out more about the insulin pump program.

Your child’s diabetes management team will teach you how to calculate how much insulin your child needs.

Your child’s insulin needs will vary from day to day, depending on:

• what they eat
• their physical activity levels
• whether they’re sick
• whether they’re growing
• how much sleep they’ve had

Glucose monitoring

You will need to monitor your child’s blood glucose levels regularly by testing a drop of their blood with a special device (called a glucometer). The aim is to keep their blood sugar levels within a target range set by your doctor. Their blood sugar levels may need to be tested up to 4 times during the day and night.

Devices that continuously measure your child’s blood sugar via a tiny plastic tube placed under the skin (‘continuous glucose monitoring’ or ‘flash glucose monitoring’ devices) can also help keep blood sugar levels steady. Ask your doctor about whether these devices are suitable for your child.

Blood sugar levels that are too low (hypoglycaemia) or too high (hyperglycaemia) can be dangerous. Your child’s diabetes management team will teach you how to recognise and manage high and low blood sugar levels.

How to manage your own needs

Finding out your child has diabetes can be overwhelming. There is a lot to learn. You may manage better on some days than others. Try to take one day at a time.

You are not alone. You will have a team of professionals to help you, which may include a:

• doctor
• diabetes specialist (endocrinologist)
• diabetes educator
• dietitian
• podiatrist
• eye specialist

A credentialed diabetes educator is a specially trained health professional who will show you how to manage your child’s diabetes. To find a credentialed diabetes educator near you, visit the Australian Diabetes Educators Association website.

Make sure everyone who cares for your child knows they have diabetes and how to manage it. Also make sure that glucose (sugar found in many foods, including honey and fruit juices) is always available, in case your child experiences hypoglycaemia.

Resources and support

For more information about diabetes, try the following:

• Register with the National Diabetes Service Scheme or call the helpline on 1800 637 700.
• Visit the Diabetes Australia website.
• Visit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Australia website.