Children and Diabetes

Most children have type 1 diabetes (formerly referred to as Juvenile Diabetes). In type 1 diabetes patients, the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin aides the body by helping blood sugar (glucose) enter cells of the body where it is used as energy. When there is not insulin to accompany glucose into the body's cells, blood sugars build up and body function suffers.

Children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are immediately treated to combat the buildup of sugars in the blood and prevent further complications. Injections of insulin will be started so that blood sugars can be metabolized and reduced. If necessary, intravenous fluids will be administered to re-hydrate the child. When IV fluids are not needed and complications are not present, new diabetes patients are not usually hospitalized.

The dietary needs of children with type 1 diabetes are the same as children without the disease. It is important, however, to pay particular attention to good nutrition, and most importantly, eating frequently. Diabetic children cannot miss meals, as the insulin injected is calibrated to process dietary sugars, and when there is no source of sugar from the child's diet, the insulin will metabolize everything available in the blood. This results in a condition known as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and serious complications can occur. Maintaining blood sugar at adequate levels is a balancing act which leaves no room for children to miss meals. Mealtimes should remain constant, given in relatively same sized portions and at the same time of day. Special 'diabetic' foods are unnecessary. Simply following a normal diet plan as advised by your doctor or dietician is the best course for all children.

Children infrequently develop type 2 diabetes; it is more common in adults. When a person has type 2 diabetes they either do not produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use the insulin produced.

Look for the same symptoms in children as in adults for detection of diabetes. These symptoms include:

• Frequent urination


• Excessive thirst


• Weight loss (especially when unexplained or accompanied by increased food intake)


• Excessive feelings of hunger


• Loss of Appetite


• Vision difficulty


• Tingling/numbness in extremities


• Tiredness/fatigue


• Dry Skin


• Difficulty Healing


• Frequent Infections

In young children, additional or different symptoms may present, including:

• Failure to grow or gain weight (often dubbed 'Failure to Thrive')


• Dehydration


• Severe diaper rash (unresponsive to treatment)


• Persistent vomiting, especially when accompanied by weakness/drowsiness

Insulin is used by the body more quickly during times of increased physical activity, so children should eat more frequently when they are active as well. Additionally, diabetic children should have a supply of foods at the ready when symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) arise. Snacks such as fruit, peanut butter, granola bars, yogurt and pudding are a few good food supplies to keep nearby.

Diabetic children of all ages should be schooled in the control of their disease and recognition of complications to the extent their age allows. Education and involvement gives children a measure of control and helps them to alert caregivers when they are feeling poorly. Even very young children can be given the control of choosing where to test or inject insulin, all the while taking steps towards independent control of the disease they will live with.

Older children are encouraged to take an active role in their treatment and disease maintenance. Children as young as eleven can test their own blood and administer insulin injections with adult supervision. As parents, you may feel ill at ease with this, but treating diabetes as part of mainstream living helps children cope with their disease without anxiety, and hence they go on to lead full and normal lives unhindered.

The rights of diabetic children are protected under federal law. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992 are three federal laws that protect the rights of children with diabetes in school and daycare settings (among others). Under these laws, diabetic children cannot be discriminated against and schools (or daycares) may be required to make necessary accommodations for your diabetic child if need be. These laws also mandate accommodations to seamlessly assimilate diabetic children into everyday school life and activities.

A very important part of educating school and childcare personnel in the control of diabetes is educating them to the warning signs of hypoglycemia and emergency responses. Drive home the importance of preventing low blood sugar with frequent snacking. Provide educators with written meal and actions plans, and emergency response procedures. Make sure this information is conveyed to transportation providers as well. Bus drivers are every bit as important a link in the chain of response and prevention.

Your child's doctor will regularly monitor results and order in-depth testing as necessary, but the majority of your child's diabetes testing will be done at home with a blood glucose monitor (glucometer). How often your child's blood glucose levels need to be tested will be tailored to your child's situation. Your pediatrician will work with you to determine the frequency of testing and teach you how to interpret the results, but generally speaking, diabetes patients need to test blood glucose levels four or more times a day.

Although your child may have diabetes, it does not mean that he/she cannot live a long and healthy life. Always follow the advice of your health professional and make sure that your child knows how to manage their condition.