It is very common these days that children are developing Diabetes. It used to be called Juvenile Diabetes, but Doctors now refer to it as Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. They do this because is has become very common for children to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes once was only found in adults. Children with Diabetes should not be treated the same as adults because their bodies are still growing and need specific treatment plans.
Once your child has been diagnosed with Diabetes, it is important to concentrate on how to manage the disease. By keeping your child’s blood sugar levels safe, you will help reduce to risk of long-term complications. This also means you will have to teach lifelong values such as checking glucose levels, administering medications, and living a healthy lifestyle. Doing so will help your child for much of their future.
Children who have Type 1 Diabetes cannot produce insulin on their own. Since they cannot, it will have to be received through insulin injections. This usually is two to three shots of insulin a day. Since each child is different there is not a rule stating at what age they can give themselves the injections. Usually by the age of 14, most children can do so on their own. Your child should also keep a log of their blood glucose tests. This helps the Doctors and nurses make the accurate decisions for your child’s Diabetes plan.
Children who take insulin will have to determine how much they are going to eat at a meal and balance their carbohydrate intake with the amount of insulin they took. These requirements will vary depending on the child’s age, weight, and amount of exercise. It is a good idea to make a diet plan based around your child’s classes at school including gym, lunch, and other activities throughout the day. Making sure the child participates in gym class is important because it can help control weight and lower blood sugar levels.
Your child will need to know the symptoms incase someday they go through it. Hypoglycemia is common in children who have Type 1 Diabetes. If they have symptoms they can get their blood sugar levels up by eating a snack with sugar, or drinking juice. Some of the symptoms they should be aware of include dizziness, shakiness, double vision, and a blood glucose level below 70. This way the child will know how to handle the situation in case this happens when you are not there to help them.
Helping your child manage their Diabetes will be beneficial for him or her. They will learn at a young age how to take care of their disease and be able to maintain it. They will have this disease for the rest of their life, but they can sill do pretty much what other kids can. This will help them build confidence and feel not ashamed about their Diabetes. In the long-run it will instill the basics that they will need to know when they are adults. By you helping them manage their Diabetes now, you are planning their future for them. It will be a happy and healthy one for all of you.
