Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care now if a child has:
Trouble breathing or deep, rapid breathing
Repeated vomiting or severe abdominal pain
Fruity-smelling breath
Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down
Marked drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty waking
A seizure or loss of consciousness
Severe low blood sugar that does not respond to emergency treatment
These signs may indicate DKA, severe dehydration, or severe hypoglycemia.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the diabetes care team promptly if glucose readings remain above the child’s agreed range, medicines are repeatedly missed because of side effects or access problems, or low blood sugar keeps happening.
Illness, vomiting, reduced drinking, or ketones also require advice based on the child’s sick-day plan.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if a child has increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness, blurred vision, repeated infections, or unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms have many possible causes, but blood sugar testing may be needed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Type 2 diabetes in children. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.