Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes in a Child

The signs and symptoms should be recognised early: thirst and frequent urination, enuresis in a previously toilet-trained child, tiredness, abdominal pain, disproportionate dehydration and weight loss. In an infant, the only sign may be respiratory distress resembling an asthma attack. Action should be taken immediately, i.e. either the urine is tested for glucose with a reagent strip or the blood with a glucose meter (plasma glucose). A standing request should be placed with the laboratory to inform the treating or on-call doctor immediately if a child's urine tests positive for glucose or blood glucose concentration is increased.