[Diabetes in the youth].

In contrast to adults diabetes mellitus type 1 (DMT1) is the most frequent form of diabetes mellitus during childhood and adolescence (> 95 %). After diagnosis, the management of these DMT1-patients should take place in specialized pediatric units, not in a primary care setting.The lifelong substitution of insulin is the cornerstone of therapy, the form of insulin-therapy should be adapted according to the age of the patient. Diabetes education is also an essential part in the management of diabetes patients and their families.The ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes) recommends an HbA1c < 7.5 rel. % (IFCC < 58 mmol/mol) as good metabolic control, without the occurrence of severe hypoglycemic events. The APEDÖ (Arbeitsgruppe für pädiatrische Endokrinologie und Diabetologie Österreich) has recommended an HbA1c-target of < 7.0 rel. % (IFCC < 53 mmol/mol).The aim of diabetes education and management is avoidance of acute and late diabetes related complications, as well as achievement of normal growth and psychosocial development and wellbeing.