How to care a child with type1 diabetes.

Key Aspects of Type 1 Diabetes Care for a Child

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1. Insulin Therapy

• Children with type 1 diabetes require insulin for life.
• Methods:
  • Insulin injections (using syringes or pens)
  • Insulin pump (delivers insulin continuously through a small device)
• Your child will need:
  • Basal insulin (long-acting, once or twice daily)
  • Bolus insulin (short-acting, given before meals)

2. Blood Sugar Monitoring

• Check blood glucose multiple times a day:
  • Before meals
  • Before bed
  • During illness or unusual activity
• Devices:
  • Glucometer
  • Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) – tracks glucose 24/7

Target blood sugar range for children:

• Before meals: 90–130 mg/dL
• Bedtime: 90–150 mg/dL (may vary by age)

3. Healthy Eating

• A consistent, balanced meal plan is essential.
• Focus on:
  • Whole grains
  • Lean protein
  • Vegetables and fruit
  • Healthy fats
• Count carbohydrates at each meal to adjust insulin doses.
• Consider seeing a pediatric dietitian who specializes in diabetes.

4. Physical Activity

• Regular exercise helps control blood sugar.
• Monitor blood sugar before, during, and after activity.
• Be prepared for:
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) during/after exercise – carry fast-acting carbs (juice, glucose tablets).
  • Adjust insulin or food intake if needed.

5. Managing Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

• Symptoms:
  • Shaking, sweating, irritability, dizziness, hunger, confusion
• Treatment:
  • Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (e.g., juice, glucose tablets)
  • Recheck sugar after 15 minutes
• Keep emergency glucagon injection kit at home/school.

6. School & Social Life

• Inform school staff and caregivers about your child’s diabetes.
• Provide:
  • Written diabetes care plan
  • Snacks, insulin, glucometer, emergency contact info
• Encourage normal participation in school and social activities.

7. Sick Day Management

• Illness can cause blood sugar to rise or fall unpredictably.
• Never stop insulin — may need adjusted doses.
• Monitor sugar and ketones more often.
• Stay hydrated; contact your doctor if:
  • Vomiting persists
  • High blood sugar (>250 mg/dL) doesn’t improve
  • Ketones are high

8. Education & Emotional Support

• Teach your child (age-appropriate) how to:
  • Check sugar
  • Take insulin
  • Recognize signs of highs/lows
• Support their emotional health:
  • Let them talk about their feelings
  • Consider a diabetes counsellor or support group

9. Regular Doctor Visits

• Pediatric endocrinologist: every 3 months
• Screenings for:
  • Growth & development
  • A1C (average glucose over 3 months)
  • Eyes, kidneys, and thyroid (annually or as advise

💡 Tips for Parents

Connect with a diabetes support group for families.

Stay calm and consistent – children take cues from you.

Use apps or journals to track insulin, food, and sugar levels.