Just because your child has diabetes doesn’t mean they can’t live a normal life.
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. In the United States, about 30 million people, or 9 percent of the population, has been diagnosed with diabetes, which includes about 350,000 children and adolescents under 20 years old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Meredith Wilkes, MD
There are two types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make insulin, and in type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin, but the cells don’t respond to it as they should, meaning there is insulin resistance.
No matter the type of diabetes your child may have, there are many steps you can take to help them manage their condition and support, according to Meredith Wilkes, MD, Medical Director of Pediatric Diabetes at the Comprehensive Diabetes Care Clinic at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. She shares her key tips and insights.
A Checklist: Eight Ways You Can Help Your Child Manage Diabetes:
- Check their blood sugar levels daily at mealtime and at bedtime.
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
- Exercise and participate in physical activity.
- Make sure to administer insulin injections or other diabetes medicines as needed.
- Eat main meals on time and eat snacks at certain times, and make sure to have plenty of time to finish each meal or snack.
- Keep an eye out for high or low blood sugar and treat the level as needed.
- Have them drink water regularly and have access to water.
- Always have access to a bathroom and make time for bathroom breaks.
Together with family, friends, teachers and others in your community, there are ways you can support your child. Here are some tips from Dr. Wilkes:
Be positive. Although diabetes is a chronic disease, it should not define your child. Keep a positive mindset and allow your child to learn about the condition as they grow and develop. Let them play with friends and attend birthday parties. Let them grow and aspire from the situation and turn the challenges into great possibilities and opportunities. Don’t let diabetes impede their future and their dreams.
Ask siblings, family members, and teachers to help. Educate those who offer care to your child and make sure they understand your child’s condition, treatment plan, and what do to in case of an emergency. When everyone in your circle understands and is educated about your child’s condition, you will feel comfortable and more relieved when they are taking care of your child. Engaging siblings, especially with simple tasks, will help empower them and help them feel closer to their brother or sister.
Embrace technology. The technology available today to treat diabetes is there to make your life easier, to help you and your child feel more at ease, and to offer flexibility to help you live a normal life. Keep an open mind and enjoy the positive features. For example, the insulin pump offers improved blood sugar control, and eliminates manual injections and finger pricks.
Connect with others and participate in support groups. Try to connect with other families who have kids living with diabetes so you can share experiences. This can provide a support circle for you and your family, which can help reduce stress, and allow you to learn and share information with others.
If you have questions or if you are concerned that your child may have diabetes, call 212-241-6936.