Diabetes mellitus (dm) in children and adolescents

[Raeanne Dimick]

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are abnormally high because the body does not produce enough insulin or fails to respond normally to the insulin produced.

• Diabetes describes a group of conditions with high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) caused by decreased insulin production, decreased effect of insulin , or both.
• Typical symptoms at diagnosis include excessive thirst, excessive urination, and weight loss.
• The diagnosis is based on symptoms and the results of urine and blood tests.
• Treatment depends on the type of diabetes but includes insulin injections or other drugs and changes in diet, exercise, weight loss (if overweight).

The symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes are similar in children and adults (see Diabetes Mellitus (DM)). However, management of diabetes in children may be more complex. It must be tailored to the child’s physical and emotional maturity level and to constant variations in food intake, physical activity, and stress.