Diabetes can run in families, and researchers are still studying how and why it happens. Although diabetes cannot be cured, it can be treated. With family support, daily care and treatment, your child with diabetes can lead a healthy, active, and fun-filled life. Untreated, high blood sugar may develop into ketoacidosis, a very serious condition. Ketoacidosis is caused by very high levels of ketones in blood and urine.
Ketones are waste products that build up when the body burns fat for energy.
Check with your health care provider about when to do ketone tests, especially when your child is sick. Unless treated promptly Ketoacidosis can lead to a diabetic coma. It is the most common problem in children with diabetes. Diabetes treatment plans are more flexible than they used to be. Treatment is geared to the needs of the individual child and his or her family.