Ketoacidosis is a severe metabolic disorder commonly associated with type 1 diabetes. To reduce the risk of developing it, it is incredibly important to recognise diabetes as early as possible.In light of this, the CHL Children’s Clinic (Kannerklinik) together with the Luxembourgish Diabetes Association (ALD) started a campaign to raise awareness of the main symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
If your child suddenly starts drinking lots of water, needs to use the bathroom frequently, is unexpectedly loosing weight, low-energy or often tired-out,contact a medical professional. It is crucial for these early symptoms to be recognised, or a child could become comatose.
This is what happened to the Lammers family in April 2022. Their at the time two-year old daughter, Leni, had to be hospitalised in intensive care at the Kannerklinik after developing a life-threatening metabolic disorder due to a lack of insulin.
After Leni’s diagnosis, the family’s life has drastically changed.
With the help of an Insulin pump, she will have to regulate her blood sugar and watch what she is eating for the rest of her life. She will also have to continuously replace both the chip that adjusts her blood sugar values an the catheter that pumps the insulin into her blood.
By now, Leni and her parents have adjusted to the situation and are handling it very well, they say. Her parents underline that it is incredibly important that all parents and caretakers are aware of the diabetes symptoms so that they can react in a timely manner.
Unlike ketoacidosis, type one diabetes is unpreventable, but the illness is very treatable and those affected by it can learn and adjust their lifestyles to live with it.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
