Red flags & when to go in person for Prediabetes (Lifestyle Counseling) in Pediatrics

Audience: pediatric

Prediabetes in children means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. Lifestyle counseling helps children and families make healthy changes to prevent diabetes. Telemedicine can support education about healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management. However, some signs mean your child should see a healthcare provider in person. These include symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, sudden weight loss, or feeling very tired. In-person visits allow for physical exams and blood tests to check blood sugar levels. Telemedicine is a helpful tool for ongoing support and guidance but cannot replace hands-on exams or urgent care. Recognizing red flags early and knowing when to seek in-person care helps keep your child safe and healthy.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increased thirst and dry mouth lasting more than a day — seek in-person evaluation promptly.
• Frequent urination, especially if your child wets the bed suddenly — get urgent medical attention.
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss or extreme tiredness — visit a healthcare provider in person immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education on healthy eating and physical activity for children with prediabetes.
• Supporting families in setting lifestyle goals and tracking progress.
• Answering questions about prediabetes and prevention strategies.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or blood sugar testing.
• Diagnosing diabetes or other medical conditions.
• Managing urgent symptoms like severe fatigue, dehydration, or rapid weight loss.

What is Prediabetes in Children?

Prediabetes means your child's blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. It is a warning sign that diabetes may develop in the future. Many children with prediabetes do not have symptoms. Lifestyle changes can often prevent diabetes from developing.

How Telemedicine Helps with Lifestyle Counseling

Telemedicine allows you to talk with healthcare providers from home. They can offer advice on healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management. Providers can help set goals and answer questions about lifestyle changes. This support can be very helpful for families managing prediabetes.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs an in-person visit right away:

These symptoms may mean blood sugar is very high and needs urgent evaluation.

What Happens During an In-Person Visit?

A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and may order blood tests to check blood sugar levels. They can also check for other health problems and adjust care plans. In-person visits are important for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, gather information about your child's eating habits, physical activity, and any symptoms. Have a list of questions ready. Make sure you have a quiet, private space with a good internet connection for the visit.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the lifestyle advice given by your provider. Keep track of your child's progress and any new symptoms. Schedule follow-up visits as recommended. If symptoms worsen, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's typical daily meals and snacks.
• Note your child's usual physical activity and screen time.
• Write down any symptoms your child has experienced.
• Prepare questions or concerns about prediabetes and lifestyle changes.
• Ensure a quiet space with reliable internet for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the lifestyle and nutrition advice provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and report any worsening or new signs.
• Schedule recommended follow-up appointments, either virtual or in person.
• Keep a record of your child's progress with diet and exercise.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red-flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What is the difference between prediabetes and diabetes in children?

Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diabetes. It is a warning sign that diabetes may develop. Diabetes means blood sugar is consistently too high and requires medical treatment.

Can lifestyle changes really prevent diabetes in children?

Yes. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can often prevent or delay diabetes in children with prediabetes.

Is telemedicine enough to manage my child's prediabetes?

Telemedicine is helpful for education and support but cannot replace physical exams or blood tests. Some situations require in-person visits for proper care.

What symptoms mean I should take my child to see a doctor in person?

Increased thirst, frequent urination, sudden weight loss, extreme tiredness, or blurred vision are signs to seek in-person medical care promptly.

How often should my child have follow-up visits for prediabetes?

Follow-up frequency varies. Your healthcare provider will recommend visits based on your child's health and progress, which may include both telemedicine and in-person appointments.

Sources

1. Prediabetes in Children and Teens — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Prediabetes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Prediabetes: Lifestyle Changes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences urgent symptoms or you have concerns about their health, seek care from a healthcare professional in person promptly.