subject: How To Manage If You Have A Diabetic Child [print this page] Having a child that is diabetic is not a cause for alarm. Usually, juvenile diabetes is caused by genetic factors, which can explain why your child gets it, but you as their parents don't. The advantage with diabetes is that it's a manageable condition, and as long as you follow the right strategies, then symptoms can be eradicated for good, even as the child goes into their teenage years and adult life.
Right now, knowing how to manage is the most important thing. You have already made the first step since you have got your child diagnosed with diabetes. The most common type of diabetes that affects children is Type 1, which is synonymously known as juvenile diabetes. It's caused by insufficient secretion of insulin, leading the body to a state of insulin dependence.
The best way to manage when your son or daughter has diabetes is by first getting informed. Knowledge is of the essence, as it will help you manage your child's condition comprehensively. You should seek to understand both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia better and know how to react should either conditions happen. Learn the normal ranges of blood sugar and get a glucose meter for home use. It helps you get your child's blood glucose level reading fast. Plan trips to the doctor and let them explain to you everything you are needed to do as a parent with a diabetic child. Getting informed is the very first step.
The first thing that you can expect to do is to administer insulin shots to your son, during intervals specified by the doctor. Usually, a dose is given during the day, and another one during the night. The insulin helps keep the blood sugar levels normal, and as long as the body gets it, the levels will remain optimum. Monitor their blood sugar levels regularly to ensure that a hyperglycemic state is not reached.
You have to track what your child eats and how often. Much of the concern will go to tracking their carbohydrate intake, as well as reducing, or better yet, ridding the intake of processed foods. Develop a healthy diet that is as child friendly as possible. It is hard for a child to resist a cookie or candy every now and then. A dietitian can help you create one that will help you in management of their sugar levels.
Try to get your child to be more physically active during the day. This will help to reduce the blood glucose level by expending the glucose stored energy. Find an interesting activity to perform together like bicycle riding and make it a regular thing. You can teach your child how to administer the insulin injections when he gets older.
If your budget allows, you should visit a pediatric endocrinologist periodically to make sure your child's diabetes management plan is on track. Diabetic children can enjoy life like any normal children. With proper treatment, the symptoms can also be delayed and eliminated in the long run. Remember, without management, the child can develop diabetic complications like DKA, and this is something you want to avoid completely.
by: Jared Wright
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