DIABETES, TYPE 1: CHILDREN LIVING WITH THE DISEASE

DIABETES, TYPE 1: CHILDREN LIVING WITH THE DISEASE

Once the pancreas stops producing insulin, Type 1 diabetes may develop. Insulin is responsible for the movement of sugar in the body. It lets  sugar move from the blood into the body cells to be used for energy consumption or stored for later use. Sugar cannot get into the cells and perform its work without insulin. The absence of insulin in the body causes your blood sugar levels rise. A person with diabetes has a blood sugar that is too high.

Children with such conditions may live a long and healthy life by learning to manage his or her blood sugar levels. You, as a parent, play a major role in taking care of your child’s health. You need to help your child maintain his or her blood sugar levels to normal. At the same time, you should give your child the guidance and support that he or she needs.

Maintaining blood sugar levels in a target range may help your child’s health. To be able to do this, your child needs to have a proper diet plan, exercise, and insulin. This will also involve monitoring your child’s blood sugar levels at certain times, as recommended by your physician.

Having uncontrolled blood sugar levels may result in problems that would result in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Children with diabetes must control their blood sugar levels every day to prevent problems in the future.

SYMPTOMS

Problems may arise from having low or high blood sugar even though you are careful. Teaching your child to keep watch for signs of low and high blood sugar may prevent problems from happening.

The following symptoms may tell if you have high or low blood sugar levels:

  • Getting thirsty most of the time
  • Getting dehydrated
  • Extreme hunger
  • Frequent urination

 

DIAGNOSIS

Several blood tests are performed to determine type 1 diabetes in children. This includes the following:

  • Random blood sugar testing.This is a primary screening test to help physicians determine type 1 diabetes. A blood sample is taken at any random time to monitor if your blood sugar levels exceed 200 mg/dl.
  • Glycated hemoglobin test (A1C).A1C test determines your average blood sugar level for the past couple of months. The test specifically measures the blood sugar percentage attached to the oxygen-carrying protein in the hemoglobin. If the test results have levels of 6.5 percent or higher, this indicates that a person has diabetes.
  • Fasting blood sugar test.This type of test requires that your child should fast overnight before taking a blood sample. A blood sugar level of 126 mg/dl or higher indicates type 1 diabetes.

 

TREATMENT

Treating type 1 diabetes includes frequent blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, proper diet, and regular exercise. Your child’s diabetes treatment plan may change as time goes by.

Managing your child’s diabetes may be overwhelming but you shouldn’t easily give up, you must take it one day at a time. You may be able to manage your child’s blood sugar level in some days and on the other days, it may look like that it doesn’t work at all. Do not forget that you are not struggling alone.

Working closely with your child’s physician, diabetes educator and dietitian may keep your child’s sugar level as close to normal.

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