Type 1 Diabetes: Children Living With the Disease

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your child is:

• Unconscious or suddenly becomes very sleepy or confused. Your child may have low blood sugar, called Reference hypoglycemia Opens New Window.
  • Reference 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 Reference diabetic ketoacidosis Opens New Window.

Call a doctor right away if:

• Your child has blood sugar of 240 mg/dL or higher (or it is higher than the level your doctor has 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 6 hours.
  • Reference Sick Day Guidelines
• Often has problems with high or low blood sugar levels.
• Has trouble knowing when his or her blood sugar is low (Reference hypoglycemia unawareness Opens New Window).
• Or you have questions or want to know more about diabetes.

Who to see

Health professionals who may care for a child with type 1 diabetes include:

• A Reference pediatrician Opens New Window, a Reference family medicine doctor Opens New Window, or a Reference general practitioner Opens New Window.
• A Reference nurse practitioner Opens New Window or a Reference physician assistant Opens New Window.
• A Reference pediatric endocrinologist Opens New Window.
• A Reference certified diabetes educator Opens New Window (CDE).
• A Reference registered dietitian Opens New Window, to help develop a daily meal plan for your child and your family.
• A Reference psychologist Opens New Window, to help with emotional or family issues that might affect your child's treatment.

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

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.