Diabetes in Children

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects the way the body regulates blood glucose (blood sugar). Glucose is the body's main source of energy, and the hormone insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells.

There are two main types of diabetes seen in children:

  • Type 1 diabetes, where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This is the most common type of diabetes in children and requires lifelong insulin treatment.
  • Type 2 diabetes, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it. Although much less common in children, the number of cases has increased in recent years.

With modern treatments, technology and specialist support, children with diabetes can lead active, healthy lives.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes often develop quickly, particularly in Type 1 diabetes.

Common symptoms include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Passing urine more frequently
  • Bedwetting in a child who was previously dry at night
  • Weight loss
  • Tiredness or low energy
  • Increased hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Recurrent infections, such as thrush

Some children may also develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication caused by a lack of insulin.

Symptoms of DKA include:

  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Deep or rapid breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • A fruity-smelling breath

DKA is a medical emergency and requires immediate hospital treatment.

When should I seek medical advice?

You should arrange an urgent medical assessment if your child develops symptoms that could suggest diabetes, particularly increased thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss.

If your child appears very unwell, is vomiting, breathing rapidly or becomes unusually sleepy, call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department immediately, as this could indicate diabetic ketoacidosis.

Early diagnosis is essential and can prevent serious complications.

What causes diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, meaning the body can no longer produce enough insulin.

The exact cause is unknown, although both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin. It is more likely in children with obesity, a strong family history of diabetes or certain genetic backgrounds, although it can occur in children of any weight.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

If diabetes is suspected, your child will usually have:

  • Blood glucose testing
  • Blood tests to measure HbA1c (average blood glucose levels)
  • Urine tests for glucose and ketones
  • Blood tests to identify Type 1 diabetes antibodies (where appropriate)

Once diagnosed, additional assessments help determine the most appropriate treatment and ongoing management.

What treatment is available?

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Children with Type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy.

Treatment usually includes:

  • Multiple daily insulin injections or an insulin pump
  • Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or finger-prick blood glucose testing
  • Education about carbohydrate counting
  • Regular clinic reviews
  • Ongoing support from a specialist paediatric diabetes team

Modern diabetes technology has transformed the management of Type 1 diabetes, allowing many children to achieve excellent glucose control while maintaining normal daily activities.

Type 2 diabetes

Treatment often begins with:

  • Healthy lifestyle changes
  • Nutritional support
  • Increased physical activity
  • Medication such as metformin where appropriate

Some children may also require insulin treatment, particularly if blood glucose levels are very high at diagnosis.

Living with diabetes

A diagnosis of diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support most children quickly adapt to managing their condition.

Children with diabetes can:

  • Attend school normally
  • Play sports
  • Go on holidays
  • Enjoy birthday parties
  • Participate in all the activities their friends enjoy

With regular monitoring and specialist care, most children grow and develop normally.