Not every diabetic child has type 1 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

Although it is type 1 diabetes mellitus of autoimmune origin that is most prevalent in childhood and adolescence, other forms of diabetes can also affect this population, resulting in different prognosis and treatment.

SOURCES: Information was obtained by means of a bibliographic review, carried out by running searches for scientific articles in the MEDLINE and LILACS databases, in addition to classic publications on the subject, with the most representative being chosen.

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: This article discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentation and treatment of the various forms of diabetes that affect the pediatric age group, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus , type 2 diabetes mellitus, maturity-onset diabetes of youth, neonatal diabetes, mitochondrial diabetes, diabetes of generalized lipodystrophy, diabetes secondary to other pancreatic diseases, diabetes secondary to other endocrine diseases, diabetes associated with infections and cytotoxic drugs and diabetes related to certain genetic syndromes.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of the primary pathophysiologic mechanism of the form of diabetes presented can guide specific treatment, optimizing metabolic control and minimizing complications over the long term.