All parents know that babies and small children sleep and drink a lot, but if your kid gets drowsier or thirstier than usual, it might indicate type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes because most people who experience this disease are young children.
A kid can get type 1 diabetes as an infant, toddler, or teen. Most kids develop this disease after 5. Let’s discuss what type 1 diabetes is and what parents should do once their kids get diagnosed with this health complication.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a common disease in which your kid no longer produces insulin, an important hormone that your kid needs to survive. This lack of insulin is then fulfilled with injections or an insulin pump.
For now, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes; however, the condition can be managed better if several preventive measures are taken. Let’s discuss what parents must do once their kid is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
5 Things to Do Once Your Kid is Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
Here are a few crucial things parents must do once their kids are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. By taking the following precautionary measures, parents can manage type 1 diabetes in a better way.
1 Get The Right Accessories for Your Kids
Once your kid is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you must get the right accessories for them for daily use. Some of the accessories that your kid needs are; bellybands, harness insulin pumps, belts, and a few other medical accessories such as; blood glucose measuring devices, ketone level measuring apparatus, diabetes medical alert bracelet, and a few basic skin care supplies. These accessories make their daily life easier and help them manage this health complication in a better way.
These accessories will help children with diabetes to become T1D heroes and feel like kids instead of diabetics.
2 Arrange Insulin Pumps or Injections
As mentioned earlier, type 1 diabetes develops because your kid isn’t making enough insulin, an important hormone that helps in converting sugar into energy. Your kid needs this hormone several times a day to process sugar. This lack of insulin can be fulfilled by injections or insulin pumps. You can choose the best option depending on your kid’s overall health.
3 Monitor Blood Glucose Levels
When your body doesn’t make enough insulin, blood glucose or blood sugar levels can increase drastically. So, you need to carefully and consistently monitor your blood glucose levels. Once your kids grow old, they should monitor their blood glucose levels themselves.
You can consult your doctor or the health care team and find the right blood-glucose meter for your kid.
4 Stay in Touch with A Medical Doctor
Once your kid is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, he will need to see the doctor multiple times a year. Also, having type 1 diabetes puts your kid at a higher risk of developing other health concerns such as foot, eye, or kidney problems. Your kid may need regular eye check-ups and may need to meet a dietitian too. If the condition gets out of control, you may need to consult a medical professional urgently. A medical professional can also help you choose the best armbands for diabetic kids.
So, you must stay in touch with professional and qualified medical personnel and keep them updated regarding your kid’s blood glucose levels. Click: Dietitian in Ambala
5 Make Sure Your Kid is Consuming Healthy Meals
Diet plays the most critical role in managing your kid’s diabetes. Before choosing food for your kid, you must carefully read the food labels, check carbs, and see how different foods affect glucose levels.
Ensure your kid consumes healthy foods such as beans, dark leafy greens, fish, nuts, fruits, and berries. These foods will help in keeping blood glucose levels within the prescribed limits.
