Paediatric Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview of Causes, Diagnosis and Management

Diabetes Mellitus in Children is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin action, or both. It is one of the most important endocrine disorders affecting children and adolescents, with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus being the most common form in childhood. This article provides a comprehensive overview of childhood diabetes, including its classification, etiology, epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, differential diagnosis, treatment, prevention, complications and long-term medical follow-up. Special attention is given to early recognition of symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and unexplained weight loss, as well as the prevention and management of serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycaemia. The article also highlights the importance of insulin therapy, healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, family education and multidisciplinary medical care. Early diagnosis and appropriate management play a vital role in preventing complications and ensuring healthy growth, development and quality of life in children living with diabetes.