Diabetes and children

‘Diabetes can be mastered and life will go on’

As a parent of a child with diabetes

• Do not over- protect the child…

It can create a problem with other siblings who feel  that too much attention is being given.
The child with diabetes also needs to develop independence to lead a normal life with diabetes.

• Consult a team of doctor, nurse, dietitian, and child psychologist. 

• Create awareness…

Involve  grandparents and siblings, neighbours and school authorities and tell them about the condition, its effect on the child and what they can do  to help or do in  case of emergency.

• Learn…

How to give shots, monitor blood glucose, test for ketonuria, recognize the symptoms of  hypoglycemia and deal with it, food requirements and preparation of nutritious meals that tackle hunger and assist growth and development of the child and also cater to individual needs as well as family food habitswith very small children with diabetes.

• Communicate with the child with diabetes in simple words and be to the point …

Although blood tests and injections hurt, they are an important part of the treatment

Make them understand the reason for the changes in diet, activity and so on.

Set limits on food and activity. 

Praise is a strong motivator for young children.

• Be extra vigilant on sick days…

Increase blood glucose monitoring

Check more often for urinary ketones 

Take weight often to check for weight loss 

Prevent dehydration.

• Encourage independence in older children… 

Encourage children to take more responsibility for their diabetes so that by mid -adolescence they are able to manage on their own most of the time.

• Prepare the child …

To tackle any problems that they might face at play or at school.

• Get the help of teachers…   

To help your child cope with diabetes at school.

In primary school, a child usually has one teacher for almost all activities, but as he or she moves there will be many teachers who will need to know that your child has diabetes and what to do.