Care for a Diabetic Child
Parents who have children diagnosed with diabetes will need to educate themselves about what kind of nutrition their child needs in order to manage the disease. Diabetes is manageable with a restricted diet and in many cases, medicines. A parent will need to learn how to test their child’s blood sugar regularly. A doctor can instruct a parent on the signs and symptoms to be aware of that indicate a child’s blood sugar is too high or too low.
One of the best ways to treat diabetes is to prevent spikes and drops in blood sugar. This can usually be done by monitoring a child’s food intake. Most cases of juvenile diabetes are Type 1, which typically means the child’s pancreas is not producing the insulin the body needs. The child will most likely need insulin injections to help make up for the body’s lack to do so naturally.
Blood monitoring equipment is a necessity for a parent to have on hand. Children with diabetes typically need their blood sugar tested about six times a day. The blood sugar testers require very little blood, which is obtained through a quick finger poke. As a child gets a little older, he/she will learn to do this for themselves. A doctor will provide the guidelines for the child’s blood sugar. Once the blood sugar reading is obtained, a parent will need to determine the next course of action to either raise or lower the blood sugar.
The majority of children in the world are terrified of needles, but children with diabetes accept them as a daily part of life. Many children learn how to give themselves the shots without even wincing. Parents will typically administer the shots until a child learns how. Some children will need to have an insulin pump to keep their body’s healthy. The insulin injections should be given at the same time each day. This should be planned around the child’s school and extracurricular activities.
Part of maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is eating a proper diet. Parents will have to be diligent in watching what their child eats. This does not necessarily mean the child can never enjoy a candy bar or eat cake at a birthday party. It simply means he/she will need to enjoy sugary foods in moderation, and the parent will need to pay close attention to ensure there are no signs of the child’s blood sugar dropping or rising. The child’s diet will need adjusting as the child grows. Height and weight will play a factor into the amount of carbohydrates and refined sugars they can eat. A dietician is a good source of information when planning a child’s daily diet.
The real challenge in managing a child with diabetes is watching their carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates metabolize and increase a person’s blood sugar. This can be counteracted with insulin, but it is a fine balance. The best way to prevent a child’s blood sugar from going too high is by controlling the amount of carbohydrates the child eats. If the child is expected to eat sugary foods on a particular day for a special occasion, their carbohydrates should be limited.
Children who are in school will need to have special plans in place as well. Schools are required to accommodate a child’s medical needs and will most likely keep testing supplies and insulin shots in a designated area. Because a child needs to have their blood sugar monitored regularly, they will most likely need to test at least once during the school day. Parents can go to their child’s school and fill out a Section 504 Plan. This form lists several teachers or school employees who are designated to help manage the child’s diabetes.
