World Diabetes Day | Dangerous high blood sugar warning signs in children that need emergency care

Monitoring diabetes in children is crucial, as complications can develop quickly and put their lives in jeopardy if they're not spotted in time. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be classified as a medical emergency. This situation arises when there is not enough insulin in the body to produce energy from glucose. As a result, fat is converted for energy, producing a group of compounds known as ketones. Ketones in the blood make it more acidic than normal and interfere with proper physiology. The threat of DKA is even greater because it can be the first symptom of undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes.

What causes DKA in children?

Diabetic ketoacidosis usually occurs when there are not enough amounts of the hormone insulin in the body, which can be because diabetes has not yet been diagnosed, or any missed doses of insulin, any illness, or infections of the children who already have diabetes. Fever, vomiting, and many other infections can add to the demand for insulin in the body, making it difficult to manage blood sugar. The lack of insulin causes a quick rise in blood sugar and ketone levels in the body.

Warning signs parents should never ignore:

Recognising the symptoms early is critical, as DKA can progress within hours. Some important warning signs include:

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination: High blood sugar causes the body to eliminate excess glucose through urine, resulting in dehydration and increased thirst

• Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating normally or experiencing increased hunger, a child may lose weight because the body cannot use glucose effectively

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain: These symptoms occur as ketones accumulate in the bloodstream and can sometimes be mistaken for a stomach infection

• Fruity-smelling breath: A sweet or fruity smell on the breath can indicate elevated ketone levels

• Rapid and deep breathing: Known as Kussmaul breathing, this is the body's attempt to compensate for increased acidity in the blood

• Extreme tiredness or confusion: As DKA progresses, children may become unusually sleepy, disoriented, or even lose consciousness

Is it necessary to have a medical emergency?

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) needs immediate medical attention. Symptoms such as frequent vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, smelling of fruit, lack of fluids, confusion, or sleepiness in a young child with diabetes should be taken seriously and considered a need for emergency medical care rather than waiting for them to go away at home.

Prevention

The prevention of DKA depends on seeking early diagnosis and efficient treatment of diabetes. Parents ought to know what to look for, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, inexplicable weight loss, and tiredness, especially if these symptoms occur together. Those parents who have a diabetic child must stick to the prescribed treatment regimen and advise their children on blood glucose and ketone monitoring while sick. Being informed and seeking timely medical help can save a young person's life.

The author is a consultant in Pediatric Endocrinology at Madhukar Rainbow Children's Hospital.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.