Diabetes

Each child is different. One might be ready to give injections at the age of 6 or 7, while another might still be reluctant at 11 or 12. Here are some guidelines: Age What the Child Can Do Special Considerations At/under 5 years of age Can get a feeling of control by choosing the finger […]

Successful management of type 1 diabetes means balancing insulin and blood sugar. Normally, the body makes insulin when it’s needed. Right after meals, it produces enough insulin to process the blood sugar from that meal, moving it out of the blood and into the body’s cells. Between meals, the level of insulin drops before it

Diabetes has one big advantage over other diseases: you can always tell how well your child is doing. Blood sugar levels can be checked many times a day in the home and elsewhere. This shows how much glucose is present in the blood at different times of day, so you can adjust insulin or food

Before the 1920s, there was no treatment for diabetes, and type 1 was always fatal. Then in 1922, insulin was extracted from the pancreases of animals and given to people with diabetes. Since then, insulin has been greatly improved. Through genetic engineering, we can now make insulin that is the same as that made in

Hypoglycemia – episodes of low blood sugar – can occur when there is too much insulin or not enough food. In people without diabetes, insulin levels fall naturally between meals. When you take injections, some insulin will keep circulating, and this can drive blood sugar too low. It is especially likely to dip: If a

Children with diabetes need to eat the same nutritious food that other family members should be eating. They won’t be on a “diet.” They can eat everything in moderation – including foods containing sugar. Special diabetic and dietetic foods are not necessary. But people with diabetes need to watch: What time they eat (meals and

Even “normal” illnesses like colds and flu can cause special problems for a child with diabetes. Some illnesses interfere with the way insulin works, so the child will need extra insulin. If a child can’t eat or is vomiting, it may be hard to keep blood sugar up. Get A Written Plan Get an action

It is very important for the child, you, and other adults in the child’s life to keep the diabetes in perspective. Remember, children with diabetes can do almost anything other kids can do, provided their diabetes is under control. However, it’s important for teachers, the school nurse, school secretary, day care workers, and coaches to

Encourage your child to take part in school-sponsored athletics and to sign up for sports teams after school. This will do two things: It will program exercise into your child’s life. Ideally, children with diabetes should have at least 30 minutes of activity a day. Exercise helps their bodies use insulin more efficiently and gives