Diabetes

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

Finding a sitter for a young child with diabetes requires special consideration. The best choice may be a teenager who also has diabetes. You can find such people through your local chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Here’s a checklist for notes to leave with the sitter. Write down: Where you can be reached Doctor’s

If diabetes isn’t well controlled, over the years it can lead to a risk of other problems, such as: Kidney trouble Heart disease Damage to the eyes Problems in the nerves, especially those affecting the feet Although these complications aren’t likely to cause problems until adulthood, damage to blood vessels and organs can start before

Here are some frequently asked questions related to diabetes in children. Q: Diabetes runs in my family, and I’m concerned that my children might be affected. What symptoms should I watch for? A: Only your children’s doctor can tell for sure if they have diabetes. They may have some or none of the following symptoms: frequent

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to diabetes in children. Here’s a summary of what your child needs to do (with your help) in order to stay healthy: Test blood sugar at least twice a day and keep results for reference. Take insulin shots in the dose and at the times prescribed

Here are definitions of medical terms related to diabetes in children. Endocrinologist: A physician who specializes in the endocrine system, which is the network of glands and other structures that secrete hormones and affect the function of certain organs. Finger stick: The act of puncturing the tip of the finger to get a small sample of blood.

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on diabetes in children. American Diabetes Association  Phone: 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-832-6874) www.diabetes.org (or find your local chapter in the phone book). National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse  Phone: 1-301-654-3327 www.niddk.nih.gov MedicAlert Foundation International  Phone: 1-800-432-5378 www.medicalert.org Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation  Phone: 1-800-533-CURE (2873) www.jdrf.org Barbara Davis Center for

Diabetes is not like other health problems. It needs attention many times a day, every day. It also requires knowledge on how to cope with special occasions, sickness, and emergencies. Your family will become the greatest experts on your child’s diabetes! Although there is no cure for diabetes, it can be successfully controlled. Insulin injections

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