CASE REPORT OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED PAEDIATRIC TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS WITH MILD DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the common endocrine diseases affecting children. The condition results from the autoimmune destruction of β-cells, leading to an absolute lack of Insulin. One of the fatal complications is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). An 11-year-old female presented with recurrent vomiting and was found to have marked hyperglycemia (336 mg/dL), HbA1c of 10.3%, ketonuria (+++), metabolic acidosis (pH 7.316; HCO₃⁻ 15.3 mmol/L), and mild diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The child was managed by use of standard intravenous fluid and insulin, capillary blood glucose test and electrolyte replacement. The subcutaneous insulin therapy was started after ketosis had been managed and oral intake had become adequate. Diabetes education and nutritional counselling to the parents regarding insulin administration and hypoglycemia were performed. The patient’s blood sugar normalized, the ketosis was managed completely, and she recovered successfully. The patient was discharged home with individualized insulin administration with regular follow-up by pediatric endocrinologists. Early diagnosis and management of T1DM with mild DKA in children, with a multidisciplinary approach and diabetes education, are key in preventing recurrence and achieving optimal outcomes.