Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease where the body is unable to manage glucose (sugar) correctly. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is the most common form of diabetes in children, though rates of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus are rapidly increasing.
Our team at Queensland Paediatric Endocrinology is highly experienced in helping families navigate their diabetes care right from diagnosis. We care for kids with diabetes throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, the Darling Downs, Northern NSW and further afield.
While there is currently no cure for diabetes, with the right approach it can be treated, controlled, and managed successfully.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
The most common symptoms of diabetes in children are:
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Excessive thirst
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Frequent urination
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Weight loss
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Lethargy
Children with untreated diabetes can become very sick very quickly, so early recognition and treatment is vital. If you think your child may have diabetes don’t wait - see your GP or your local Emergency Department as soon as you can. If your child also has stomach pain, vomiting, and / or sweet-smelling breath head to your local Emergency Department. We have a paediatric endocrinologist on call 24 hours a day who will be happy to speak with your GP or emergency doctor and help to get you started on the right path.
Diagnosing Jane's Diabetes - Queensland Paediatric Endocrinology - Brisbane
How is diabetes treated?
People with Type 1 Diabetes need life-long insulin replacement therapy, which can be through injections or an insulin pump. Insulin is a hormone needed by the body to allow glucose (sugar) to be used as energy, and bodies cannot function without it. People with Type 1 Diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose levels through finger-prick testing or using a continuous glucose monitor.