Children and Diabetes
Children and Teens with Diabetes
According to the National Diabetes Education Program, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in school–aged children. Although type 1 diabetes is the leading cause of diabetes among children, as obesity and inactivity levels in children have almost doubled in the past 10 to 15 years, type 2 diabetes is being seen more frequently than ever before. For more information regarding the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, refer to the Knowing the Difference link.
Identifying Diabetes in Children
Because the onset of diabetes can vary depending on the individual, some children may show signs of a lack of insulin production or the onset of type 1 diabetes rapidly, as with infants and young children; others, such as teens and young adults, may develop symptoms slowly, making it difficult to diagnose the problem. The first indication of diabetes often see in children is ketoacidosis, or a condition that occurs when too much acid builds up in the blood as a result of fat being broken down and used for energy rather than sugar.
According to the NDEP, it is important that children with any of the following risk factors be tested every two years for the development of diabetes:
- a family history of diabetes;
- obesity;
- American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander heritage; and/or
- signs of being insulin resistant.
Treating Children with Diabetes
Treatment options for children and teens with diabetes are the same as treatment options for adults. Depending on what type of diabetes your child has been diagnosed with, your doctor will suggest a number of lifestyle changes, including regulated meal plans and exercise routines coupled with either diabetes medication and/or daily doses of insulin through either an injection or a pump. Avoiding hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia (too low or too high blood sugar) and maintaining a normal blood sugar level are the main goal of any combination of treatments.
Eating right. Children especially are in need of a well balanced diet because they are constantly growing. To develop a meal plan that provides essential vitamins and minerals while keeping blood sugar levels normal, talk to a dietician or physician. He or she will be able to help your child maintain a healthy weight and still get those essential nutrients grown bodies need. For more information and a kid–friendly fact sheet, visit NDEP’s Eat Healthy Foods link.
Getting exercise. Just like adults, it is also necessary for children to maintain an active lifestyle. For kids with diabetes, being active offers a number of benefits, including weight management and regulated blood sugar levels. However, parents of children with type 1 diabetes should be aware that hypoglycemia can result from too much exercise; thus, parents and children alike should be aware of the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia and should not exercise, including participating in sports, if their blood sugar levels are too low. For more information on keeping kids active, visit NDEP’s Be Active guide for parents and children.
Monitoring sugar levels and taking meds. Children with diabetes should be aware of what their normal blood sugar levels should be. They also should be able to test their own blood sugar or should have an adult do it regularly to help them learn their body’s blood sugar patterns. Just as important as monitoring sugar levels is taking medication properly and on time. At school, principals, teachers and nurses should be informed of the child’s condition and should be willing to take an active role in his or her disease management.
Children who Self–Manage
Allowing your child, regardless of his or her age, to actively participate in his or her disease management will boost his or her morale and allow for fewer feelings of helplessness. If this process is begun early, the child will learn the importance of self–management and the lifestyle changes you instill will become a permanent lifestyle by the time he or she reaches adulthood. On the other hand, it is also important that you stay involved in your teen–ager’s disease management because experimentation with alcohol, for example, may have adverse effects on his or her sugar levels.
Helping a Child Cope
Much like adults, when children are first diagnosed with diabetes, they may suffer several different types of emotions, most similar to those seen in the stages of grief. However, children are more apt to blame themselves, feeling as if they did something to cause the diabetes. Likewise, they may face denial that they have the disease or they may not understand that diabetes is not something that goes away like a cold. Children may also feel anger and fear and may be unable to understand why this has happened to them and what the future has in store. Finally, children may become depressed or saddened, disappearing to their rooms or crying uncontrollably on a whim.
As a parent of a diabetic child, it is important to allow your child to express both his or her positive and negative feelings openly. Constantly reassuring and providing positive feedback are great ways to keep your child feeling optimistic; but, at the same time, it is necessary for children to express their anger and sadness to avoid the repression of such feelings.
For more information, visit the Coping with Diabetes link.
Double Diabetes
The inactivity and obesity levels of today’s youth have resulted in what is being referred to as double diabetes or the development of type 2 diabetes symptoms in children with type 1 diabetes and vice versa, according to an article published by the Associated Press at CNN.com in the summer of 2005. The article cites obesity and genetics as the two factors that researchers believe may be responsible for this newly identified condition. And, although it is not possible to change heredity, it is possible to eliminate obesity as a risk factor with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
Finding Happiness
Your goal in obtaining as much knowledge regarding diabetes as possible and dedicating yourself to teaching your child the importance of a healthy lifestyle is to set the right example for your child and helping your child learn the importance of taking an active role in his or her disease. By letting your son or daughter know that he or she is not experiencing diabetes alone, you can help one another adapt to and learn to self–manage diabetes. With a balanced diet, regular physical activity and proper medicine and insulin intake, your child will develop into an independent young adult who knows the importance of making decisions today for a lifetime of happiness.