Acute pancreatitis is more common in childhood than has been appreciated previously. During acute attacks of pancreatitis, hyperglycaemia and glycosuria are not uncommon but permanent diabetes mellitus is rare. Acute pancreatitis can also be associated with diabetic ketoacidosis and the association between these two is of a two-way cause and effect relationship. Early imaging of the pancreas is recommended in children with severe prolonged abdominal pain.