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Type 1 Diabetes: Children Living With the Disease - When To Call a Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if your child is:

Call a doctor immediately if your child is vomiting and cannot keep down liquids and has a blood sugar of 250 mg/dL or higher.

Call a doctor if your child:

  • Is sick for more than 2 days (unless it is a mild illness, such as a cold), and your child:
    • Has been vomiting or had diarrhea for more than 6 hours.
    • Has followed his/her doctor's advice but it has not worked. Learn what to do when you are sick and have diabetes.
    • Has blood sugar levels that are often above 250 mg/dL and urine tests for ketones show more than 2+ or moderate or higher ketones.
  • Has a blood sugar level that stays below the target range after eating some quick-sugar food.
  • Has a blood sugar level that stays high after taking a missed dose of insulin or taking an extra dose of insulin (if prescribed by the doctor).
  • Has frequent problems with high or low blood sugar levels. The insulin dose or schedule may need to be changed.
  • Is having difficulty knowing when his or her blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia unawareness).
  • Is having problems following the meal plan or getting physical activity, and you want help.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor study your health without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting is not appropriate for a child with type 1 diabetes if blood sugar levels are frequently high or low. His or her treatment may need changing. Keeping your child's blood sugar levels within a normal or near-normal range helps prevent high blood sugar emergencies and long-term complications, such as eye, kidney, heart, blood vessel, and nerve damage.

Who To See

Health professionals who may care for a child with type 1 diabetes include:

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last Updated: 12/03/2008