Regular medical check-ups
Your doctor will review your blood sugar patterns, physical activity, weight, medications, typical eating habits, Blood pressure, feet, eyes, kidney tests, cholesterol levels and your growth.
The doctor will need to test the blood for good diabetes management. If low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are not well managed, they may lead to complications like Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar are sweating, irritability and other mood changes, difficulty concentrating or confusion, dizziness or lightheadedness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, pallor, hunger, shakiness, loss of consciousness and seizures. If this happens, give sugar (glucose), retest the blood sugar and follow up with a snack or meal.
The signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia are fatigue, nausea, increased thirst or dry mouth, frequent urination and blurred vision. If this happens, test the sugar levels. Know how long to wait before you retest.
Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA)
When the body severely lack insulin, the body breaks down fat for energy which produces a substance called ketones. DKA is a life-threatening condition when the body builds up excess ketones.
The signs and symptoms of DKA include nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, a sweet, fruity smell on your child’s breath, confusion, Thirst or very dry mouth, increased urination and dry or flushed skin. If this happens, seek emergency care as soon as possible.
Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
HHS occurs when the blood sugar level is extremely high. It develops in severe infections, illnesses or other medical conditions. The body tries to get rid of the high sugar level by passing it in the urine resulting in severe dehydration. This is a life-threatening medical emergency.
The signs and symptoms of HHS include no or minimal ketones in the urine, increased urination, increased thirst, dry mouth and warm, dry skin, confusion or combativeness, seizures and coma.