Pediatric diabetes: Expert care for your child’s unique needs

Pediatric diabetes is a disease where your child’s blood sugar (also called glucose) is too high.

Sugar comes from the food we eat and is our main source of energy. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps get the sugar into our cells to make that energy. If your child’s body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well, it isn’t able to get to the cells and causes too much sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can cause diabetes.  

While type 1 diabetes is much more common in children, the symptoms for both are similar and can include:

• Increased thirst

• Increased hunger

• Unexplained weight loss

• Frequent urination

• Blurry vision

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue and weakness

• Fruity breath

• Poor wound healing

The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is complex and not fully known, but genetics do play a role. Children with Type 1 diabetes simply do not produce insulin. There are several risk factors that could apply including:

• Family history. Having a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes slightly increases the risk.

• Genetics. Certain genes indicate an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.

• Race. Type 1 diabetes is more common among white children than other races.

Family history, genetics and environmental factors play important roles in type 2 diabetes in children. Inactivity and excess fat, especially around the belly, also seems to be an important factor. Diabetes screening is recommended for children who:

• Are overweight

• Are obese

• Have started puberty

• Are 10 years old or older and have at least one other risk factor for type 2 diabetes, including:

  • Family history of type 2 diabetes

  • Being a non-white race

  • Having signs of insulin resistance, such as darkened skin patches on the neck or armpits

UW Health Kids diabetes specialists provide care for young patients with diabetes with a goal to support their health by developing an individualized management plan that includes nutrition, activity and medication.

Your child’s care is our top priority and we understand the unique needs they have. Your child’s team will include:

• Doctors and nurse practitioners

• Nurses

• Exercise physiologists

• Registered dietitians

• Health psychologist

• Pharmacy

• Social workers

Your questions answered

• Frequently Asked Questions about type 1 diabetes

• The connection between Type 2 diabetes and heart disease in kids