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Care of Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia in the Inpatient Setting

  • Hospital Management of Diabetes (A Wallia and JJ Seley, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Children and adolescents with acute hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus frequently have acute, potentially life-threatening presentations which require high-acuity care in an inpatient and often intensive care setting. This review discusses the evaluation and care of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus in hospitalized children in both critical and non-critical care settings, highlighting important differences in their care relative to adults.

Recent Findings

Diabetic ketoacidosis remains highly prevalent at diagnosis among children with type 1 diabetes, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state is increasingly prevalent among children with type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials have investigated the potential benefits of various types of intravenous fluids and their rates of administration as well as the risks and benefits of intensive glucose control in critically ill children. The Endocrine Society has developed guidelines focused on managing hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, outlining important aspects of care shown to decrease morbidity and mortality. In the non-critical illness setting, intensive therapy on newly diagnosed diabetes is increasingly recommended at the outset.

Summary

With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents, recent studies addressing acute diabetes emergencies help inform best practices for care of hospitalized children with hyperglycemia and diabetes.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Richmond University Medical Center, 355 Bard Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10310, USA

    Ishita Kharode

  2. Weill Cornell Medicine, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, NY Presbyterian Hospital, 505 East 70 Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Emily Coppedge & Zoltan Antal

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  1. Ishita Kharode
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Kharode, I., Coppedge, E. & Antal, Z. Care of Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus and Hyperglycemia in the Inpatient Setting. Curr Diab Rep 19, 85 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1205-7

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