Diabetes and Children

Diabetes is one of the most occurring chronic conditions in children.  Children with diabetes are at special risks for health. There is no cure for diabetes, but good control is possible. A child with diabetes is diagnosed with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an immune disorder causing the body to make little or no insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to use food.

Children with type 1 diabetes must either take insulin shots on a daily basis or use an insulin pump to deliver insulin. There does seem to be a hereditary factor in those with type 1 diabetes.  It does seem to run in families.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed when the body cannot make enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin produced. Type 2 diabetes is usually an adult onset condition. Since 1994 the number of children affected with type 2 diabetes has been rising. The average age of type 2 diagnosis in children is 12 to 14 years old.

Treatment for Children with Diabetes With good control, children with diabetes can lead an active, healthy normal life. The key to good diabetes management means keeping blood sugars in a range acceptable for good health. Blood sugars must be tested daily to maintain control. Control involves balancing food, activity, and insulin or other diabetes medication. Food raises blood sugars. Activity and insulin lowers blood sugars. Ian the beginning, it can seem like quite a balancing act, to keep food, activity, and insulin balanced. It may take some adjusting, and quite a bit of monitoring blood sugars to reach the optimal control. While there are some basic guidelines, every person’s needs are unique.

Care Givers and Diabetic 
Children When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, parents should meet with teachers to ensure awareness and proper training should a problem arise.  Federal laws protect children with diabetes to ensure they have a medically safe environment and that there is no discrimination because of their condition. Children with diabetes should be allowed to participate in all activities just as those without diabetes.

Diabetic Control and Children It is important to involve a child with diabetes in his daily care.  In fact, the child should be taught as soon as possible how and why to manage his diabetes.  For younger children obviously parental guidance and participation is necessary.  Still a child with diabetes should be taught as much as possible how to control his diabetes.  Controlling diabetes is a life-long necessity. The sooner a child understands how and why the better.