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Diabetes - When You are Newly Diagnosed

Phase 1: Getting started

The first phase of your diabetes education will be completed in the Teaching Room in the Paediatric Medical Day Unit (PMDU) on the 4th floor, E zone. You will be asked to come to PMDU each day at 7:30 a.m. You should expect to stay until 7:30 p.m. This phase is generally completed within 2-3 days. The child with diabetes will have meals and snacks served by the hospital. The cafeteria is available for other family members.

You will meet with the members of the diabetes team including: the physician, nurses, the dietitian, the social worker and the child life specialist. Some of the skills you and your family will need to learn include:

• Understanding what diabetes is
• How to give insulin
• Blood glucose / blood and urine ketone testing
• Signs of low blood sugar and prevention and treatment
• Dietary guidelines
• Diabetes and daily routines
• When to call the diabetes team

Videos and a teaching binder containing similar information to this web site will be used to help you in learning about diabetes. This first phase of learning about diabetes is very important. The diabetes team believes it is essential that both parents and additional caregivers attend these sessions with their child. The diabetes team will observe you checking blood sugars, testing urine or blood for ketones, and administering insulin at least twice before they decide with you when it is time to move onto the next phase of your diabetes education. During this time, you will communicate with your physician about your insulin dosages. Your physician will tell you how to contact them before you leave the hospital.

Individuals learn in their own way and at their own pace. We are here to support you!

Phase 2: Moving On

Phase 2 consists of 3 to 4 follow up appointments booked over 4 to 5 weeks in the Pediatric Medical Day Unit (PMDU). Each appointment will be 2 to 3 hours in length in the morning or the afternoon. You will meet with your nurse and the dietitian each time. You may also meet with the physician, the social worker, and the child life worker. Check in at the desk when you arrive on PMDU beside the elevators.

As with Phase 1 education, it is very important for both parents to attend the sessions with their child. Other caregivers may also attend these sessions. To learn more about Phase 2 education, look in the bright yellow brochure where your appointment dates are written.

During Phase 2 you will be working closely with the diabetes team. If you have any problems with highs or lows, call your diabetes nurse to adjust your insulin.

Phase 3: Diabetes Clinic Routines

After Phase 2 sessions are complete, you will start your next phase of diabetes education. We will see you regularly in clinic (usually every 3 months) to provide you with new information, to answer your questions, and to help you keep your diabetes well controlled. Clinics are held in the Paediatric Medical Day Unit, Westminster Tower (Zone E), 4th floor on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings. Register at the desk near the elevators when you arrive. Clinics provide you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and seek out information.

Bring with you to Phase 3 clinic appointments:

1. Your blood glucose meter and testing supplies
2. Your up-to-date completed diabetes diary
3. Your snack
4. Your OHIP, hospital, and appointment cards
5. A list of questions you may have
6. A list of prescriptions that you need refilled.

At every Phase 3 clinic appointment every 3 months you will:

• Have your blood pressure, height, and weight taken.
• Have a blood test by finger poke.
• Be asked if you would like your meter checked.
• See the doctor and possibly a doctor in training.
• See the nurse, social worker and/or dietitian if you have questions.


Once a year you will:

• See the nurse for an annual review.
• See the dietitian for an annual review.
• Have a blood test by blood taken from the vein in your arm.

To Get the Most out of Your Visits...

Before clinic

• Write down your questions
• Write down significant changes since your last visit
• Keep your diary (blood sugars, insulin doses, food intake) up to date
• Check your supplies for the number of repeats left on the prescriptions and write down what you need refills for
• For each clinic visit, please bring all your meters and your diabetes log book.

During clinic

• Let the unit clerk staff know who you need to see
• Ask questions
• Let us know if our suggestions will not work
• Write down answers to your questions
• Ask about upcoming programs, new developments
• Ask the physician for any needed prescriptions for diabetes supplies

After clinic

• List the changes that were recommended
• Make the changes
• Inform the doctor/ nurse/ dietitian/ social worker about the results of the changes as needed
• Inform family members of the changes being made
• Contact your diabetes nurse or doctor if you have any concerns or questions