Type 1 diabetes otherwise known as juvenile diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes is a condition where your child’s body fails to produce insulin hormone, hence the insulin required by the body should be provided externally by injections or an insulin pump. For any parent and the child it is always overwhelming to receive a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately there is no cure for type 1 diabetes yet, but it can be managed well. However, it is daunting to accept the diagnosis and adjust with the diabetic management routine for both parents and children as they have to learn how to calculate insulin, give injections, keep a tab on carbohydrates and regularly monitor blood sugar levels. In this health article we discuss a few points on the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels in your child with type 1 diabetes.
What does managing blood sugar levels mean?
Managing blood sugar levels otherwise known as diabetes control is the regimen of keeping your child’s blood sugar levels in the healthy or desired range (neither too high nor too low).
Why is it important to manage blood sugars in a desired range?
- Maintaining desired blood sugar range ensures that your child remains energized throughout the day.
- Maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is important for healthy growth and development of the child and also to avoid health problems in the future.
What are the desired blood sugar levels in a child with type 1 diabetes?
- Before meals: 80-130 mg/dL (4.44 to 7.2 mmol/L)
- 2 hours after meal: 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)
What happens if the blood sugar levels are too high?
High levels of sugar in blood is medically called hyperglycemia. Your child may show the following symptoms when their blood sugar levels are too high:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Sudden loss of energy
- Lack of concentration or confusion
- Drowsiness
- Trouble seeing
- Nausea and stomach ache
In case you notice any of the above symptoms you have to consult your doctor immediately.
What happens if the blood sugar levels are too low?
Low levels of sugar in blood is medically called hypoglycemia. Your child may show the following symptoms when their blood sugar levels are too low:
- Increased pulse rate
- Cold and sweaty hands and feet
- Pale face
- Sudden headaches
- Restlessness
- Shivering
In case you notice any of the above symptoms you have to consult your doctor immediately.
What factors can affect your child’s blood sugar levels?
Even when your child is on treatment for type 1 diabetes and you are being careful with their treatment regimen, there are some factors that may affect your child’s blood sugar levels, which include:
- Infections and illnesses
- Carbohydrate rich diet
- Calculation of insulin dose
- Missed insulin dose
- Lack of exercise
- Over exercise
How to effectively manage blood sugar levels in the child?
Finding the right balance between physical activity, carbohydrate intake, insulin and other medicine, and exercise is the key to effectively managing blood sugar levels in your child. Although it might be a juggle to begin with, with time and attention it will get easier. Here are some tips that may help you manage your child’s blood sugar levels better:
- Talk to your healthcare experts and gather as much knowledge as you can about the best diabetes care plan for your child.
- Test your child’s blood sugar levels several times a day to ensure the sugars are in healthy range.
- Ensure your child receives the insulin and other required medicines on time. Avoid the risk of missed doses.
- Encourage your child to be physically active.
- Seek your healthcare team’s guidance for the right type and intensity of exercises and other physical activities your child can engage in.
- Do not miss your appointments with the healthcare team for regular checkups.
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