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Helping Your Child Manage Type 1 Diabetes


About this topic


Type 1 diabetes is a health problem where the immune system destroys the organ that makes insulin. Insulin is a very important substance. It changes sugar, starch, and other foods into energy needed to live. Diabetes does not go away. Your child will control it with eating the right way and taking drugs as ordered by a doctor. ‚  


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What will the results be?


You and your child will have a better understanding of type 1 diabetes. You and your child will know how to keep blood sugars in a normal range. You and your child will learn how food and exercise affect diabetes. This will help your child have the tools needed to live a healthy life. ‚  

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • You and your child need to know how to take care of your childs diabetes. You will both need to learn how to:
    • Check your child's blood sugar.
    • Know what to do if your child has a blood sugar that is too high or too low.
    • Give insulin. Your child may need shots a few times each day.
  • It is also important that you and your child make teachers and coaches aware of your child's illness.
  • Have your child wear a medical alert ID in case of emergency.
  • Give support through the many changes your child is going through.
  • Help your child find a way to remember when to check blood sugar and give drugs. This may be setting an alarm on a watch or phone. Some children may want to have a special fun notebook to check off their daily schedule. Find what works best for your child.
  • Teach your child how to care for the feet. Tell your child to let you know about any pain or sores on the feet.

What drugs may be needed?


  • Your child will need insulin for the rest of your childs life. It may be given in one or more shots each day. Your child's insulin shots may change as your child grows or as needs change.
  • If your child's blood sugar is too low, glucose or sugar pills may be given.
  • Do not change or stop giving drugs without asking your child's doctor.

Will physical activity be limited?


  • Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that may help control your childs blood sugar. Your child should always check blood sugar before and after exercise to see how the body responds.
  • Be sure your child drinks lots of liquids before, during, and after exercise.
  • Join your child in activities such as walking, riding bikes, swimming, dancing, and sports.

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Work closely with your doctor or dietitian on what foods your child may eat.
  • You may need to balance how much sugar, starches, fat, and protein are in your childs food. You may have to control the amount or size of the foods your child eats.
  • Eat meals at the same time each day.
  • Do not let your child skip a meal.
  • Help your child learn what foods are good to eat. Explain to your child that too much or too little sugar in foods can make your child ill.
  • Take your child with you when you shop for foods. Let your child pick a food. Then, talk about if this is a good choice or not.

What foods are good to eat?


Let your child help in the planning and making of meals. This will help your child learn more about healthy foods and the role they have in taking care of type 1 diabetes. ‚  
  • Eat whole grains like:
    • Brown rice
    • Wild rice
    • Whole wheat pasta
    • Whole wheat or whole grain bread
    • High-fiber cereals
    • Steel-cut oats
    • Bran muffin
  • Fruits and vegetables like:
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Yams
    • Winter squash
    • Cauliflower
    • Apples
    • Oranges
    • Beans
  • Proteins like:
    • Lean meats
    • Chicken
    • Turkey
    • Fish

What foods should be limited or avoided?


Explain to your child the need to avoid or limit these foods: ‚  
  • High fat or processed foods like:
    • Bacon
    • Sausages
    • Hot dogs
    • Processed snacks
  • Fats and oils like:
    • Margarine
    • Salad dressings
  • Foods that are high in cholesterol or salt, like:
    • Egg yolks
    • Shellfish
    • Liver
    • Organ meats
    • Added salt
  • Starches that are not whole grain, like:
    • White rice
    • White potatoes (fries)
    • Pasta
    • White bread
    • Sugary cereals
    • Instant oatmeal
    • Baked goods, donuts, or pastry

What problems could happen?


If your childs diabetes is not properly monitored or managed, it may lead to: ‚  
  • Eye problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart problems
  • Nerve damage
  • Gum disease
  • High ketone level in your child's urine
  • Wounds that take a long time to heal

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


This is a life-long problem and you cannot prevent it. Your child can still have a normal life. Diabetes is controlled through diet, exercise, and drugs. Family members and friends can help your child practice good health behaviors. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


Call the doctor if your childs blood sugar if out of range. Watch for these signs. ‚  
  • Low blood sugar. Signs are anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
  • High blood sugar. Signs are sleepiness, extra thirst, passing urine a lot, dry skin and mouth, breath has fruity odor, passing out.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Belly pain

Helpful tips


  • Make sure your child carries a diabetic emergency kit at all times.
  • You and your child may want to join support groups to get to know other people who have coped with this condition.

Where can I learn more?


American Diabetes Association ‚  
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/recently-diagnosed/living-with-type-1-diabetes.html ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/kid/diabetes_basics/what/treating_type1.html#cat20491 ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/endocrine/treating_type1.html#cat20491 ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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