Type 1 Diabetes in Children

Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, occurs when the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that create insulin. Insulin is a hormone that takes sugar (known as glucose) from your bloodstream and delivers it into your cells to be used for energy. Without insulin, your blood sugar levels remain high -- which can lead to serious health complications over time.

Because their bodies don’t make insulin, children with Type 1 diabetes must get insulin from multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. They also must test their blood sugar levels throughout the day and pay special attention to eating, drinking, and exercising.

Managing your child’s Type 1 diabetes can sometimes seem overwhelming. The Duke Children’s diabetes care team can help you overcome these challenges. We offer expert medical guidance and give you and your child information, support, and encouragement to manage and live well with diabetes. 

Your pediatrician may have already diagnosed your child’s diabetes through blood and urine tests. Once you've been referred to a pediatric endocrinologist, they will do a thorough exam and additional blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate your child’s health.

Your child's medical care team, which includes diabetes educators, dietitians, social workers, and doctors, walk you through everything -- including how to manage diabetes, how we monitor your child’s health, complications that can develop as a result of diabetes, and how those complications can be prevented. Your team members include the following healthcare providers.

Social Workers
Social workers will ask your child questions to evaluate their mental health and screen for depression. We perform this screening to ensure your child gets the support they need.

Diabetes Educators
Diabetes educators will explain how to monitor your child’s blood sugar, how to give injections, and how to identify symptoms of low and high blood sugar.

Dietitians
Dietitians will provide comprehensive information about when and what to eat -- and what not to eat -- to manage blood sugar and stay healthy.

Diabetes Management Classes
Comprehensive diabetes management classes cover topics such as what diabetes is, what your child can eat, how to avoid complications, exercising with diabetes, and how to use advanced technology such as glucose monitors and insulin pumps. In addition, we’ll connect you with local support groups for children with diabetes and their families. 

Nationally Recognized 
We are recognized by the American Diabetes Association for our diabetes self-management education.

A Team of Specialists
We address all the health challenges that can occur with diabetes, such as kidney, vision, and nerve problems. We evaluate your child’s overall health and work closely with primary care doctors, pediatricians, and other specialists to tailor your child’s treatment to their unique needs.

Family-Centered Care Helps You Manage Life with Diabetes
Our care team will help you and your child understand and follow treatment guidelines, and incorporate good eating, drinking, and exercise habits into your family’s lifestyle. Our care team's one-on-one support and comprehensive diabetes classes empower your child and you to take control of your child’s health.

Access to the Latest Treatments and Research
Your child will be treated by pediatric endocrinologists knowledgeable about the latest advances in Type 1 diabetes care, such as new technologies for monitoring blood sugar and delivering insulin. In fact, we were one of the first hospitals to use insulin pumps for infants and toddlers. Our doctors also participate in national research, including studies through the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.