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Diabetes in young children

Key facts

  • The most common type of diabetes in children is type 1 diabetes — this autoimmune condition can be life-threatening if not treated.
  • The most common symptoms of diabetes in children are drinking much more than usual, urinating more frequently than usual (toilet trained children may start to have accidents) and weight loss.
  • A first diagnosis of diabetes in a child is a medical emergency and requires urgent assessment and treatment.
  • Treatment of type 1 diabetes in children involves regular insulin injections, along with regular blood sugar monitoring, to ensure their blood sugar levels remain steady.
  • If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel overwhelmed with the amount you need to learn, but there are people who can help and support you.

    • What is diabetes?

    Diabetes causes high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It can be life-threatening if undiagnosed or poorly managed.

    Glucose levels are normally controlled by the hormone insulin (Opens in new tab), which is produced by the pancreas (Opens in new tab). Diabetes develops when the pancreas doesn't work properly, or when the body doesn't use insulin properly.

    There are different types of diabetes.

    Type 1 diabetes

    The most common type of diabetes in children is type 1 diabetes (Opens in new tab), also known as juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition.

    Type 1 diabetes is usually an autoimmune disease (Opens in new tab), where the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

    Type 2 diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes (Opens in new tab) develops when the body stops using insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in younger adults, but it is very rare in young children.

    What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children under 5?

    It can be hard to spot the symptoms of diabetes in young children. Symptoms normally develop quickly and include:

    If your child has these symptoms, see your doctor urgently.

    If your child's blood glucose level is very high, they may develop a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (Opens in new tab). Symptoms of DKA can include:

    Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. If you think your child may have DKA, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

    What causes diabetes?

    The causes of type 1 diabetes are not known, although it can run in families (Opens in new tab). There is nothing you can do to prevent your child from developing type 1 diabetes.

    Type 2 diabetes also runs in families, but there are other risk factors, including:

    If you had diabetes when you were pregnant (gestational diabetes), you and your baby are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

    How is type 1 diabetes diagnosed?

    Your doctor will ask your child about their symptoms and examine them.

    Diabetes can be diagnosed with a blood test (Opens in new tab). Your child may also have a urine test (Opens in new tab).

    A first diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in a child is a medical emergency. If your doctor suspects your child has diabetes, they will refer you to the local hospital emergency department (Opens in new tab).

    FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

    How is type 1 diabetes treated in young children?

    Insulin treatment

    Your child will need treatment with insulin several times a day to keep their blood sugar at steady levels. Insulin may be given by injection or with an insulin pen (Opens in new tab), or through an insulin pump. This is a small device worn 24 hours a day that delivers insulin through a tiny plastic tube inserted under the skin. Insulin pumps are not suitable for every child, so discuss this with your doctor.

    Your child may be eligible for a subsidy from the Australian Government to buy an insulin pump. Find out more about the insulin pump program (Opens in new tab).

    Your child's diabetes management team will teach you how to calculate how much insulin your child needs.

    Your child's insulin needs will vary from day to day, depending on:

    • what they eat
    • their physical activity levels
    • whether they're sick
    • whether they're growing
    • how much sleep they've had

    Glucose monitoring

    You will need to monitor your child's blood glucose levels (Opens in new tab) regularly by testing a drop of their blood with a special device (called a glucometer). The aim is to keep their blood sugar levels within a target range set by your doctor. Their blood sugar levels may need to be tested up to 4 times during the day and night.

    Devices that continuously measure your child's blood sugar via a tiny plastic tube placed under the skin ('continuous glucose monitoring' or 'flash glucose monitoring' devices) can also help keep blood sugar levels steady. Ask your doctor about whether these devices are suitable for your child.

    Blood sugar levels that are too low (hypoglycaemia (Opens in new tab)) or too high (hyperglycaemia (Opens in new tab)) can be dangerous. Your child's diabetes management team will teach you how to recognise and manage high and low blood sugar levels.

    How to manage your own needs

    Finding out your child has diabetes can be overwhelming. There is a lot to learn. You may manage better on some days than others. Try to take one day at a time.

    You are not alone. You will have a team of professionals to help you, which may include a:

    A credentialed diabetes educator is a specially trained health professional who will show you how to manage your child's diabetes. To find a credentialed diabetes educator near you, visit the Australian Diabetes Educators Association website (Opens in new tab).

    Make sure everyone who cares for your child knows they have diabetes and how to manage it. Also make sure that glucose (sugar found in many foods, including honey and fruit juices) is always available, in case your child experiences hypoglycaemia.

    Resources and support

    Speak to a maternal child health nurse

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

    Last reviewed: June 2024

    Need more information?

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    Diabetes

    Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body has difficulty processing the carbohydrates in food because the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin produced is ineffective, or a combination of both.
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