Type 1
diabetes

The most common type of diabetes in children is type 1 or juvenile diabetes. Type 1 is a lifelong (chronic) autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin. Anyone at any age can develop type 1 diabetes, though the most common age at diagnosis is between the ages of 4 to 6, and in adolescence (10 to 14 years). A child is more at risk of type 1 diabetes if they have a family member with the condition.

Did you know?

Type 1 diabetes affects about 1 in 400 children, adolescents and young adults under 20 years of age.

Symptoms of diabetes in children

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes typically start out mild and get progressively worse or more intense over time. Symptoms can be different for each child, and include:

Going to the toilet a lot: the body tries to get rid of the extra glucose in the blood by passing it out in the urine. This means that sometimes children can start to bed wet.
Feeling really thirsty: passing lots of urine makes you very thirsty.
Extreme fatigue: tiredness is a common symptom as the body cannot work properly without enough energy.
Hunger, at times excessive, associated with weight loss: when the body cells cannot use the glucose from food, they break down fat and muscle for energy and you lose weight.
Behavioural changes: irritability, mood changes, and feeling low due to the fluctuations in blood sugar level which is caused by diabetes.
Blurred vision: not a common symptom, but this can occur if the sugar is very high.

How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?

To confirm a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, your child’s doctor may order some or all of the following tests:

Blood test

A test that measures the amount of sugar in the blood. High blood sugars show that a child has diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1C test

Diabetes can also be diagnosed by a test that shows what the average blood sugar has been in your child’s blood over the previous three months. A result that is found to be higher than 6.5 per cent on two separate tests is an indication of diabetes.

Urine test

This can either be done through your child’s doctor, or you can buy your own testing strips online if you are concerned and want to monitor your child’s ketone levels. High levels of ketones in the blood or urine can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Additional blood tests

To help distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, your child’s doctor may also check for antibodies in the blood that are common in type 1 diabetes.

How is type 1 diabetes treated in children?

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition and there is no known cure. However, there are very effective treatments that can help children to lead an active and healthy life. Treatment involves your child’s diabetics team putting together a care plan, which tells you and your child the things to do every day to help keep blood sugar levels in a healthy range. Each child’s diabetes care plan is unique to them, but all plans have the same 4 basic parts:

Daily insulin injections

Children with type 1 diabetes need to have daily injections of insulin to keep their blood glucose level within normal ranges. Insulin is given either by injection or an insulin pump. Your child will need a basal level of slow-acting insulin throughout the day; they will also need an extra dose of fast-acting insulin around meals. Insulin pumps are often prescribed to provide better control, as they work automatically, and allow more flexibility around mealtimes.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes counting carbohydrates

A healthy balanced diet and eating the right foods can help children with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Ensure they are getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat and protein, dairy produce and complex carbohydrates in whole grains. Avoid too much sugar and processed carbohydrates, but you don’t have to totally ban sweet treats. A dietician and your child’s diabetes team can teach you and your child to count carbohydrates and balance the insulin dose.

Getting regular physical activity

Getting consistent exercise helps to lower blood sugars. Children with diabetes should have at least an hour of exercise each day; that could be a sport like football or basketball, dancing, games, swimming, or energetic play.

Regular blood sugar monitoring

Checking blood glucose levels is key to managing diabetes. A fingerpick check will tell you what your child’s blood glucose level is. The blood is then quickly analysed on a small machine called a glucometer, to give a result. A better and more pain-free option for children is a continuous glucose monitor, which can improve sugar monitoring, and raise the alarm if the glucose level is too low or high.

Did you know?

Cake, chocolates, sweets and takeaway food are treats which your child can eat for special occasions just like everyone else. Just ensure that you count the carbs and give extra short or rapid acting insulin.

Complications with type 1 diabetes

Good control of blood sugar in children with type 1 diabetes reduces long-term risks and complications which can include:

Eye problems
Kidney disease
Nerve problems
Foot problems
Heart attack and stroke

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious health problem that can occur if your child has diabetes. This is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care. It occurs when there’s not enough insulin in the body, so it starts to break down fat instead. Symptoms of DKA can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rapid breathing, drowsiness, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.