What are the three most common chronic conditions in childhood?
What is the pathophysiology and aetiology of Type 1 diabetes?
Autoimmune condition where beta cells in the Islets of Langerhan’s are attacked by T-cells so they cannot produce insulin
Genetic component (HLA-DR)
Can be triggered by viruses like Coxisackie and Enterovirus
Peak onset 5-7 years
What is the typical presentation of T1DM in children?
If a child presents with symptoms of T1DM e.g polyuria, polydipsia, what investigations should you do for a diagnosis?
Symptoms plus a random blood glucose >11 is diagnostic
If no symptoms this is when two tests are needed on separate occasions
Always check ketones
If you suspect a child has T1DM in a GP, they should be immediately referred on the same day to a paediatric MDT team. What investigations will this team do?
What are the autoantibodies in T1DM?
What are the principles of treatment for children with T1DM?
Provided by paediatric MDT with 24 hour access to advice
NEEED WRITTEN CARE PLAN!
What regime of insulin is usually given in paediatrics?
Basal Bolus
OR Insulin Pump
Why do children need to rotate injection sites with insulin injections?
What is the honeymoon period with T1DM?
Hypoglycaemia is a short term complication of T1DM. How can we teach parents to recognise this and how can they manage it if it is mild?
Memorise image
Blood glucose below 4
Signs:
Irritable, confused, hunger, sweaty, shaky dizziness, seizures
Management:
What are some examples of 10-20g glucose (0.3g/kg) to give to a child orally when they have hypoglycaemia?
If hypogylcaemia is severe (e.g LOC, seizures, coma) then it is not safe to give oral glucose. What can be given instead and at what dose?
IV 10% Dextrose: 2mg/kg bolus then 5mg/kg infusion
OR
IM Glucagon: 0.5mg if <25kg, 1mg if >25kg
If response give long acting carbohydrate, if no response after 10 minutes ring 999
How can blood glucose levels be monitored short term?
Need to monitor at least 5 times a day in children, 4 times a day in adults
Glucose Meter: Capillary blood glucose taken on waking, two hours after meals, if feeling a hypo and before driving
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensor: Monitors the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid of the subcutaneous tissue, 5 minute time lag so if feeling hypo need to do capillary blood glucose. Need a new sensor every 2 weeks and need a reader
What are the long term complications of T1DM for children?
Macrovascular Complications
Microvascular Complications
Infection Related Complications
What accessories are needed for a person on insulin therapy?
Should you rub the site of an insulin injection?
NO! Increases rate of absorption
Can apply a bit of pressure to stop leakage
How often should a child with T1DM be followed up?
4 clinics a year
What is the biggest cause of death due to DKA in children that is rare for adults?
Cerebral Oedema
Hypokalaemia and Aspiration pneumonia are other common causes
What is the pathophysiology of Diabetic Ketoacidosis?
Ketoacidosis, dehydration and potassium imbalance
Ketoacidosis
Ketogenesis initiated when no insulin for fuel. Initially kidneys produce bicarbonate to buffer ketone acids in the blood but over time the ketone acids use up the bicarbonate and the blood starts to become acidic. This is called ketoacidosis
Dehydration
Glucose starts being filtered into the urine which draws water out with it in a process called osmotic diuresis. This causes the patient to urinate a lot and have excessive thirst
Potassium Imbalance
Insulin normally drives potassium into cells. Serum potassium can be high or normal in diabetic ketoacidosis, as the kidneys continue to balance blood potassium with the potassium excreted in the urine, however total body potassium is low because no potassium is stored in the cells. When treatment with insulin starts, patients can develop severe hypokalaemia very quickly, and this can lead to fatal arrhythmias
How may DKA present in a child?
What is the diagnostic criteria for DKA?
What investigations should you do if you suspect DKA?
Need to find the source of infection or trauma
How is the severity of DKA ranked?
8% dehydration is 80ml/kg dehydration