Childhood diabetes

In Finland, approximately 500 children and adolescents under the age of 16 are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year, and approximately a third of them are being treated in HUS.   

The causes of the disease are not yet known precisely, but it is affected by both hereditary, i.e. genetic factors, and environmental factors, such as viral diseases. 

The treatment of a child's diabetes often begins in the emergency department of Jorvi Hospital or New Children's Hospital and continues on the inpatient ward for just under a week. After the initial phase, a child may need ward treatment, for example, in connection with the installation of an insulin pump and if there are problems associated with diabetic control for various reasons or with gastroenteritis in small children. 

After the initial treatment for diabetes, you will have an appointment with a diabetes physician and nurse at the clinic approximately every three months. If necessary, additional appointments may be arranged with a diabetes nurse. When a child falls ill or the treatment form is changed, a nurse will visit the child’s daycare or school staff to instruct them on, for example, blood glucose measurement, use of an insulin pump, and the injection of insulin.