Diabetes Health Center

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if your child is:

• Unconscious or suddenly becomes very sleepy or confused. Your child may have low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia.

  See Emergency Care for a Child With Low Blood Sugar.

• Sleepy, confused, breathing very fast, or his or her breath smells fruity. Your child may have a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Call a doctor right away if:

• Your child has a blood sugar of 240 mg/dL or higher (or it is higher than the level the doctor set for your child).

Call a doctor if your child:

• Is sick and having trouble controlling his or her blood sugar.
• Has had vomiting or diarrhea for more than six hours.

  See sick-day guidelines.

• Often has problems with high or low blood sugar levels.
• Has frequent problems with high or low blood sugar levels. The oral medicine or insulin dose or schedule may need to be changed.
• Has trouble knowing when his or her blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
• Has questions or concerns or if you want to know more about diabetes.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your child's symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting is not appropriate if:

• You think your child may have symptoms of type 2 diabetes. A simple blood test is all that is needed to determine whether your child has the disease.
• Your child is overweight and gets little or no exercise. He or she is at risk for developing diabetes. Early detection and treatment for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay complications from the disease.
• You have been told that your child has prediabetes. This condition can lead to type 2 diabetes. If your child eats a healthy diet and exercises regularly, he or she may not develop diabetes.

Who to see

Most doctors can diagnose diabetes. After your child has been diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your child's needs. Health professionals who may be involved in the treatment of children with type 2 diabetes include:

• A pediatrician, family medicine doctor, or general practitioner.
• A nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
• A pediatric endocrinologist.
• A certified diabetes educator (CDE). A CDE is a registered nurse, dietitian, doctor, pharmacist, or other health professional who has special training and experience in caring for people with diabetes.
• A registered dietitian, to help build a daily meal plan for your child and your family.
• A psychologist, to help with emotional or family issues that might affect treatment.
• An exercise specialist, to help your child and family plan a program of regular physical activity.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.