Hyperglycaemia-related complications at the time of diagnosis can cause permanent neurological disability in children with neonatal diabetes.

Ketoacidosis-related cerebral oedema at diagnosis in neonatal diabetes can cause long-term severe neurological disability. This will give additional neurological features to those directly caused by the genetic aetiology of the neonatal diabetes. Our cases highlight the need for increased awareness of neonatal diabetes and earlier and better initial treatment of the severe hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis often seen at diagnosis of these children.