Pediatric Diabetic Ketoacidosis: How to Prevent Recurrent Episodes

Abstract

            Diabetes is a chronic disease that tends to be on the increase and is also a public health problem worldwide. The limitations of caring for children with type I diabetes include dietary control, exercise, daily physical activities or even insulin injections. Therefore, a multidisciplinary team should provide care for both the children and their families. The important role of nurse are to provide knowledge, advice, and re-evaluation of their understanding and utilization. Moreover, providing knowledge and skills in caring for oneself can help the children and prevent acute complications, especially diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) that causes dehydration, brain edema and in some cases death.

            This article focuses on the nursing roles to provide knowledge about diabetes, insulin injection, calculation of daily dietary intake, self-monitoring of blood glucose, and basic health problem solutions. These will help children to control their blood glucose levels and to prevent a recurrence of diabetic ketosis.