WHO consolidated guidelines for the management of common childhood illness: management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents

Overview

This is the first WHO guideline on the diagnosis, management and follow-up care of children and adolescents up to 19 years of age with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Developed to address global inequalities in outcomes and access to care, it focuses on primary and secondary health care, particularly in resource-limited settings. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on initial clinical assessment using point-of-care urine dipstick testing when blood glucose measurement is unavailable; insulin types, starting doses, regimens and delivery devices; and individualized glycaemic targets and monitoring.

It addresses the recognition and management of diabetic ketoacidosis, including in young children, and hypoglycaemia, and recommends risk-based screening for diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Developed through systematic evidence reviews using the GRADE approach, the recommendations support high-quality, person-centred care adapted to different resource settings. Intended for health care providers, including non-specialists, programme managers and policy-makers, the publication forms part of the WHO consolidated guidelines for the management of common childhood illness and supports equitable, standardized diabetes care.