How to Care for Children With Diabetes

An increasing number of children are diagnosed with diabetes. The majority of affected children have juvenile diabetes, which is known as Type 1; however, recently an alarming trend has emerged showing an increase of children with Type 2 diabetes, especially teens. Parents and caregivers of these children must prepare them to handle their disease on their own in the future.

Instructions

• 1

  Inform key players such as family members, friends, school officials, coaches or activity instructors and anyone else important to the child's safety about the disease and its appropriate precautions.

• 2

  Work with the child's doctor to outline a plan to keep the diabetes in check. If the child is old enough, include her in the planning process to help identify her areas of anxiety or insecurity. This step will help the physician identify the best treatment plan and the best medication delivery system (oral, pump or injection).

• 3

  Teach the child how and when to monitor blood glucose levels and how to keep track of the readings. Monitoring will determine if steps need to be taken to bring levels back into line with the doctor's orders. Periodic measurement will ensure that levels don't get out of control, and the record will assist the child's physician in determining the type and level of diabetic medication to prescribe.

• 4

  Instruct the child how to track carbohydrate intake to help keep blood sugar levels in balance. Too many carbs or those of the wrong kind can quickly lead to an imbalance. This step is key to helping the child manage her eating habits.

• 5

  Work with the child to balance exercise, food and medication appropriately. No diabetic treatment alone should be relied on to keep diabetes in check. Proper diet is essential to achieving success. Although most children can eat what they want--within moderation--that won't be enough either. Exercise is equally important to the process.

• 6

  Prepare healthy meals for everyone in the family. Making separate meals for a diabetic child may contribute to a feeling of isolation or that she is being punished for her illness.

• 7

  Assist the child with diabetic medication as needed. Children under the age of 9 generally require an adult caregiver to dispense diabetic medication as needed. Children over the age of 10 may be able to handle it on their own with supervision. Most children over the age of 13 can dispense their own medication as needed.

• 8

  Recognize high blood glucose symptoms. These include constant hunger, extreme thirst and excessive urination. Other symptoms may include blurry vision, cotton mouth, fatigue, itchy skin, recurring infections, weight loss and wounds that won't heal. Call a physician if the symptoms don't dissipate after administering a fast-acting carbohydrate.

• 9

  Involve the child in diabetic support groups with children her own age. Peers can help the child navigate the illness and its side effects, such as peer pressure, fear of being made fun of and feelings of isolation.

• 10

  Obtain regular diabetic care for the child, at least once a year. Children should be checked periodically to ensure wellness and to watch for possible complications such as diabetic nephropathy or neuropathy or retinopathies. (See tips below for specifics on each.)

• 11

  Take the child to the emergency room immediately if the following symptoms occur: blackout, confusion, convulsions, coordination loss, difficulty breathing, dizziness, double vision, headache, stomach pain, sweet breath smell, uncontrolled vomiting and weakness. These could mean that insulin shock or ketoacidosis has occurred.

• 12

  Educate yourself and the family how to handle diabetes in conjunction with other normal childhood ailments. Refer to the website of the American Diabetes Association for both general and specific information. Take courses on childhood diabetic management available through clinics and hospitals. Research the Internet about over-the-counter or prescription medications that might cause problems in diabetics. Join local support groups for parents of diabetic children.