Treating a Child With Diabetes: Here’s What You Should Do

Having their child diagnosed with diabetes can be stressful for parents. However, this isn’t an uncommon condition among kids. In 2015, around 1.25 million children in the United States had type 1 diabetes. How can you help manage your child’s diabetes? Here are a few useful tips.

Monitor Blood Sugar & Ketone Levels

The most important and most frequent thing you can do to monitor their health is keeping a close eye on their blood sugar as well as ketone levels. Your child’s pediatrician can guide you on how often you need to do this and through what ways. Conducting tests can help in preventing diabetic ketoacidosis and also keep the blood sugar level stable. You can check your child’s blood sugar level through a finger prick test or a blood glucose meter. Based on the results, insulin can be given either through an insulin pump or an injection. Ketones can be tested through urine testing.

Keep Them Hydrated

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. This will prevent them from dehydration and worsening of nausea that often accompanies diabetes. Make sure you consult with your child’s doctor to determine what kinds of beverages and drinks should be given to help manage diabetes.

Look Out For Symptoms of Nausea

As discussed above, nausea and vomiting are often a symptom of diabetes among kids. Your child may have frequent belly aches or throw up. Through timely tests and close monitoring of ketones and blood sugar level, you can determine what’s causing their nausea and receive a treatment plan based on that.

Supervise Physical Activities & Exercise

Kids are typically active beings, be it at home or at school. If your child is particularly fond of outdoor games, sports, and other physical activities, it’s recommended that you monitor to keep a close eye on them as they go about their play. Monitor their blood sugar level both before and after the activity and watch out for any signs of weakness or fatigue. This is because physical activity and exercise can influence your child’s blood sugar levels for as long as 24 hours. Keep their insulin pump and extra snacks handy in case their blood sugar level drops.

Make Mealtimes Healthy 

Your child may be required to follow a particular diet plan. To make this easier and fun for them, encourage your entire family to eat healthy and make a few changes in their diet. This will not only prevent your child from feeling like they’re missing out, but will also have a positive effect on your family members’ health. A Thru Z Pediatrics in San Antonio has the best pediatrician San Antonio on board. Make an appointment at our Stone Oak pediatrics clinic or at our medical center now!