Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects the Pancreas. Insulin is produced by the pancreas that helps the body to use the sugar from our daily diet.
Insufficient insulin can raise the glucose levels in the blood and cause problems for many organs of the body. Blood sugar beyond control can affect the eyes, circulation and other organs.
Blood sugar in children should be maintained within the normal range to prevent the dangerous short-term complications of diabetes. The nutritional needs and natural methods of treatment are different in diabetic children from that of adults.
Diabetic Symptoms should be relieved at the earliest and well-being of the diabetic child restored back as soon as possible. The child should also be encouraged to resume normal activities. It is very important to maintain glycaemic index, triglyceride levels and serum cholesterol within the normal range. Physical fitness, growth and development (avoiding obesity) and appropriate lifestyle promote well-being in diabetic children.
A generous carbohydrate and fiber intake along with restricted fat intake is beneficial for diabetic children.
What To Do?
- Diabetes can be diagnosed by doing the stick test. It helps confirm the presence of sugar.
- Children who are newly diagnosed with diabetes will often be admitted to the hospital to be started on insulin.
- Insulin cannot be taken orally. Diabetic children who are insulin-dependent should be injected with insulin on a regular basis.
- Diabetic children should attend all check-ups.
- Blood sugar of these children should be strictly controlled.
- Simple blood sugar measuring device are available which even young children can use at home.
Diabetic Conditions
Hypoglycemia
When the blood sugar is low the condition is called hypoglycemia. This usually happens when a diabetic has taken his regular normal dose of insulin, but has not eaten anything for any reason.
Symptoms: The child may appear confused, sleepy and sweats a lot.
Hypoglycemia Treatment
- It is very important to give the child any form of sugar.
- Special tablets are available that can be conveniently carried along.
- Chewing a sugar candy is very helpful.
- Sweet manufactured for diabetics will not raise the sugar and is thereby not beneficial.
- Call the doctor if an untreated diabetic becomes unconscious.
Ketoacidosis
When the blood sugar is too high it is called Keto-acidosis.
Symptoms: Breath smells of vinegar or acetone, abdominal pain and drowsiness. In milder cases the child becomes excessively thirsty and goes to toilet frequently to pass large amounts of urine.
What To Do?
- To achieve good control over blood sugar children will always need insulin.
- Their diet should be monitored well. You can even take the help of a dietician.
Exercise keeps weight under control, lowers blood sugar and improves circulation in diabetic children. The diabetic child should be taught the importance of diet and exercise and encouraged to adjust his life accordingly.
- Related Topics
- Childhood Diabetes: Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Children
- Early Signs of Diabetes Mellitus: Foods To Eat And Avoid For Diabetes
- Diarrhea in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
- Blood Sugar Levels in Children: Glucose levels of children & Diabetes
- Causes And Symptoms Of Diabetes In Children
