Diabetes in Children

Question 1

What is the acronym for making an early diagnosis to prevent DKA?

Answer 1

THINK symptoms:
• Thirsty 
• Thinner 
• Tired 
• Using the Toilet more

Question 2

What test is used for early diagnosis on diabetes DKA?

Answer 2

Finger prick capillary glucose test

If > 11 mmol/l –> telephone local specialist urgently

Question 3

What is a red flag symptom for diabetes?

Answer 3

A return to bedwetting or day-wetting in a previously dry child

Question 4

In children under 5yrs, what should you also look out for to indicate diabetes?

Answer 4

• Heavier than usual nappies
• Blurred vision candidiasis (oral, vulval)
• Constipation
• Recurring skin infections
• Irritability, behaviour change

Question 5

What are six diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) symptoms?

Answer 5

• Nausea & vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Sweet smelling, “ketotic”
• Breath
• Drowsiness
• Rapid, deep “sighing” respiration
• Coma

Question 6

What is are the levels from the finger prick capillary blood glucose test that indicate diabetes?

Answer 6

Result > 11mmol/l - Diabetes Result < 11mmol/l - Other cause

Question 7

What test should you not carry out?

Answer 7

• DO NOT request a returned urine specimen.
• DO NOT arrange a fasting blood glucose test.
• DO NOT arrange an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.
• DO NOT wait for lab results (urine or blood).

Question 8

Who should to call for a same day review?

Answer 8

• Call local specialist paediatric diabetes team for a same day review
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur very quickly in children.
• If in any doubt about a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes call for advice