What is the death rate in children going through diabetes at puberty?

The number of kids and teens who die because of diabetes is very rare and usually occurs when the diagnosis is missed — lack of medical care — or when insulin is chronically omitted. Both are usually DKA [diabetic ketoacidosis] related.

The first one is preventable by good access to medical care when there are unusual new symptoms — unexplained weight loss, excessive urination, excessive thirst, etc. The second is preventable by acknowledging that not everyone always tests sugar levels or knows what to do when they are ill — and by acknowledging and recognizing that some teens who do not take their insulin need adults to actually give their insulin injections. This is usually a severe psychological condition and responds to active involvement of parents as well as active therapy.

SB