Child Developed Ketoacidosis Due to Delayed Diabetes Diagnosis
A child in Region Jönköping County recently experienced a serious delay in diabetes diagnosis, leading to the advancement of ketoacidosis and requiring intensive care. The incident is being reported to the healthcare authority, IVO, under lex Maria for review.
The situation unfolded when a parent contacted their health center after noticing the child was experiencing increased urination and thirst for two weeks.While diabetes was suspected, initial assessment followed protocols for adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, involving a scheduled fasting blood sugar test. It took two days to detect a significantly elevated blood sugar level, at which point the child was promptly sent to the children’s clinic.
Upon arrival,the child was diagnosed with ketoacidosis,a possibly life-threatening complication of untreated diabetes. This condition occurs when the body lacks insulin, causing blood sugar to rise and cells unable to absorb glucose. The child required several days of intensive care and immediate insulin treatment, but thankfully has since recovered and is doing well.
An inquiry revealed the delay stemmed from a lack of awareness regarding the specific protocols for suspected diabetes in children. Region Jönköping County guidelines mandate urgent referral for blood sugar control in these cases.
Following this incident, the region has reinforced these guidelines with all health center staff and is using the case as a learning opportunity within primary care, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to established protocols when serious illness is suspected in children.
