Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a disease that affects how your child's body makes insulin and uses glucose (sugar). Insulin is a hormone that helps his body take sugar out of his blood and use it for energy. Normally, when the blood sugar level increases, the pancreas makes more insulin. Type 1 diabetes develops because your child's immune system destroys pancreas cells that make insulin. His pancreas cannot make enough insulin, so his blood sugar level continues to rise.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Insulin: Your child may need 1 or more doses of insulin each day. Insulin can be injected or given through an insulin pump. Ask your child's primary healthcare provider which method is best for your child. Your child must take insulin correctly. You will be taught how to give the insulin doses.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Follow up with your child's primary healthcare provider or specialist as directed:

Your child may need yearly eye exams to check for retinopathy. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Blood sugar checks:

You will be taught how to use a glucose monitor. You may need to check your child's blood sugar level at least 3 times each day. Ask his primary healthcare provider when and how often to check during the day. Ask what your child's blood sugar levels should be before and after he eats. You may need to check for ketones in his urine or blood if his blood sugar is high. Write down the results, and show them to your primary healthcare provider. He may use the results to make changes to your child's medicine, food, or exercise schedules.

Medical alert identification:

Have your child wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that says he has diabetes. Ask his primary healthcare provider where to get these items.

Diabetes education:

Caregivers will teach you how to manage your child's diabetes. They may visit you at home, or you may attend classes. They will teach you what to do if your child's blood sugar level goes too high or too low. They will also help you plan sick day management. Ask how to dispose of used needles and syringes.

School:

Talk to officials at your child's school. Make sure your child's teachers know he has diabetes. Provide instructions about what to do if your child has symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels at school.

Nutrition:

Your child's dietitian will help you create a meal plan to keep your child's blood sugar level steady. Your child should not skip meals to control his blood sugar level. His blood sugar level may drop too low if he has taken medicine and does not eat.

• Keep track of carbohydrates: Your child's blood sugar level can get too high if he eats too many carbohydrates in one meal or snack. His dietitian will help you plan meals and snacks that have the right amount of carbohydrates.
  
  
• Offer low-fat and low-sodium foods: Examples of low-fat foods are lean cuts of meat, fish, skinless poultry (chicken and turkey), and low-fat milk. Limit foods that are high in sodium. Sodium is found in salty foods. Some examples are soy sauce, potato chips, and soup. Do not add salt to food you cook. Limit your child's use of table salt.
  
  
• Offer high-fiber foods: Foods that are a good source of fiber include vegetables, whole grain bread, and beans.

Exercise:

Exercise can help keep your child's blood sugar level steady and help him lose weight. Have your child exercise for at least 60 minutes on most days of the week. Work with your child's primary healthcare provider to plan the best exercise program for him. Your child may need a carbohydrate snack before, during, or after he exercises. If his blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL, give him a carbohydrate snack before exercise. Examples are 4 to 6 crackers, ½ banana, 8 ounces (1 cup) of milk, or 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice. Ask which exercises are safe to do when he has ketones in his urine. Do not let your child exercise if his blood sugar level is high and he has ketones in his urine or blood.

No smoking:

Cigarette smoke can worsen the problems that occur with diabetes. Do not smoke around your child, and do not let others smoke around him. Do not let your child smoke. Ask your child's primary healthcare provider for information about how to stop smoking if you need help quitting.

Vaccines:

Diabetes can put your child at risk of serious illness if he gets the flu or pneumonia. Ask your child's primary healthcare provider if your child should get a flu or pneumonia vaccine, and when to get the vaccine.

For more information:

• American Diabetes Association
  1701 North Beauregard Street
  Alexandria , VA 22311
  Phone: 1- 800 - 342-2383
  Web Address: http://www.diabetes.org
  

Contact your child's primary healthcare provider if:

• Your child is vomiting or has an upset stomach.
  
  
• Your child feels dizzy or has headaches.
  
  
• Your child feels weak or more tired than usual.
  
  
• Your child has numbness in his arms or legs.
  
  
• Your child has red, dry skin.
  
  
• Your child gets easily irritated.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your child has blurred or double vision.
  
  
• Your child is having trouble staying awake or focusing.
  
  
• Your child is shaking or sweating.
  
  
• Your child's breath has a fruity, sweet smell or his breathing is deep and labored.
  
  
• Your child's heartbeat is fast and weak.

Learn more about Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 In Children (Discharge Care)