What should be monitored closely in children with diabetes mellitus?

Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in children with diabetes mellitus because it directly impacts their overall health and management of the disease. In children, maintaining blood glucose within a target range helps to prevent acute complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, as well as long-term complications like diabetic ketoacidosis and the risks of damage to various organ systems.

Blood glucose levels indicate how well the child's diabetes is being managed through diet, exercise, and medication management (such as insulin). Regular monitoring allows for timely adjustments to treatment plans and supports the child in maintaining a healthy life. It also helps in educating both the child and their caregivers about recognizing signs of blood glucose fluctuations.

While monitoring weight gain, heart rate, and height growth can be important in a general health assessment, they are not as critical as blood glucose levels in the context of diabetes management. Weight management can be influenced by blood glucose levels, but it does not provide immediate feedback necessary for managing diabetes. Heart rate and height growth are monitored for overall health, but they do not offer the same specific insights into the metabolic state of a child with diabetes.