Diabetes
Diabetes in Children
- Type 1 diabetes makes up approximately 95% of childhood diabetes, and the incidence is increasing in children aged < 5 years.
- The initial presentation in approximately 25% of cases will be diabetic ketoacidosis (hyperglycaemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketonaemia) of which approximately 79% initially see their general practitioner.
- Type 2 diabetes is growing with the increased incidence in obesity.
- It is difficult to diagnose in preschool and younger children, as the typical symptoms may not be present or communicated.
- Children who have established diabetes are managed by specialised diabetic services.
