Diabetes in Kids

About this topic

It is a health problem where your childs immune system destroys the organ that makes insulin. The body needs insulin to control the amount of sugar in the blood. Food contains sugar. The insulin changes this sugar into energy which is needed by the body. ‚
Diabetes does not go away. Your child will control it with eating correctly and taking drugs as ordered by a doctor. ‚

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What lifestyle changes are needed?

Help your child learn how to check blood sugar levels. Your child needs to know what to watch for that shows the sugar level is too high or too low. Make sure your child knows what to do if this happens.
Let your childs school staff know that your child is diabetic and needs drugs daily. Share this news with coaches as well.
Have your child wear a medical alert ID in case of emergency.

What drugs may be needed?

Give the drugs to your child as told by your doctor. Do not change or stop giving drugs without asking your doctor. ‚

Your child will need shots of insulin a few times a day. Talk to your childs doctor about what type of insulin is best for your child.
You will need to have sugar pills on hand if the sugar level becomes too low.

Will physical activity be limited?

Physical activities will not be limited. Let your child be active. Talk to your doctor about a workout program for your child. It may help control your childs blood sugar level. Your child may do things like running or fast walking, riding bikes, swimming, dancing, or playing sports. ‚
Always check your child's blood sugar before and after exercise. It is important to know how your child's body responds. Have your child drink lots of liquids before, during, and after exercise. ‚

What changes to diet are needed?

You have to work closely with your doctor or dietitian on what food your child may eat. You may need to balance the amount of sugar, starches, fat, and protein in your childs food. It is important that each meal should be eaten at the same time each day. Do not let your child skip a meal. ‚

What foods are good to eat?

Whole grains like: ‚

1/3 cup brown rice
1/3 cup wild rice
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta
1 slice whole wheat or whole grain bread
3/4 cup hot fiber cereal
1/4 cup dry steel-cut oats
1/2 English muffin

Fruits and vegetables like: ‚

1/2 cup sweet potatoes
1/2 cup cooked vegetables, like squash, green beans, cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage
1 cup raw vegetables or salad greens
1 small apples or oranges
1/2 cup unsweetened fruit juice

Proteins like: ‚

1 ounce lean beef or pork
1 ounce chicken, skin removed
1 ounce turkey, skin removed
1 ounce fish
1 ounce low-fat cheese or lunch meat
1/2 cup cooked beans ¢ ˆ ’ black, kidney, chickpeas, or lentils
1 whole egg

What foods should be limited or avoided?

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
Table salt

Starches that are not whole grain, like: ‚

White rice
White potatoes
French fries
Pasta
White bread
Sugary cereals
Instant oatmeal
Baked goods, pastries
Croissants
Candy
Soda

What problems could happen?

If this illness is not controlled, your child may have problems with their: ‚

Eyes
Heart
Kidneys
Feet
Nerves

You child may also have problems with infections or sores that do not heal. They may also have problems breaking down food. ‚

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

This is a life-long problem and you cannot prevent it. Your child can still lead a normal life. Diabetes can be managed through diet, drugs, and with the help of family members and friends. ‚

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 always carries a diabetes emergency kit. ‚

Where can I learn more?

KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/diabetes_center/index.html?tracking=79996_A#cat20720 ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/diabetes_center/diabetes_basics/prevention.html#cat20720 ‚
National Diabetes Education Program ‚
http://ndep.nih.gov/teens/WhatIsDiabetes.aspx ‚
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/eating_ez/ ‚

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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