Diabetes

Tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) with diabetes do not usually become unwell any more often than tamariki without diabetes. They just need extra care and attention from an adult who has received training from a specialist diabetes team.

Hypoglycaemia happens when the blood glucose level is less than 4 mmol/L, or where your child has symptoms of hypoglycaemia at a level close to this.

Tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) with type 1 diabetes mellitus need insulin therapy to replace the insulin that the body can no longer produce. Tamariki and rangatahi with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin.

Glucose monitoring is important for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) with diabetes. 

Diabetes-related distress and mental health concerns are common in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) living with diabetes. Support is available to help you and your whānau (family).

Helping tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) with diabetes to move towards self-management has 3 key parts: having knowledge, having skills and having support.

Healthy meal planning is an important part of diabetes management. There is no need for your child or young person to eat special foods or follow a restrictive diet.

It's important to work closely with school staff to create a safe environment for your child with diabetes. A diabetes healthcare provider will generally work with your child or teen, your family and teachers.