If your child has diabetes, you have an important responsibility to fulfill. You control their blood sugar, administer insulin, ensure they eat the right foods, and keep their blood sugars in a healthy range at all times. There are many, but in any case, if you know what to do, you can overcome it.
Keep your target with blood glucose testing
Your child's doctor will tell you how often you should check your blood sugar, target level, and the best course for your child. You can stab your finger, test another part of your body, or your child may have a special glucometer. It may be up to you to give it by insulin injection or an insulin pump. Your doctor will advise you on how much and when to give it.
Kids don't like needles, but there are ways to make it easy:
breath. Breathe deeply with them to help them relax. If they are calm, the pinch will not be so bad. If you have younger children, let them blow bubbles. This encourages them to breathe slowly and deeply. Let them choose the finger to stab. Let them count to zero with you so they know when they're feeling the stick. Make a checklist and check each morning before school to make sure you have everything you need to control your blood sugar throughout the day. If your child can carry their supplies, make sure they are in their bag. What to bring:
Glucose meter, test strip, lancet
Insulin, syringe, or an insulin pen. Even if your child uses an insulin pump, you still need support if it breaks down. Ketone meter and blood or urine test strip
Fast-acting carbohydrate sources such as glucose tablets and juices
Glucagon Emergency Kit (if prescribed by a doctor)
Preservatives or wet wipes
Whether your child brings the supplies they need to school or has a school nurse have them, make sure they're in stock and not past their expiration date.
Healthy Eating – As a Family
If your child has diabetes, encourage the whole family to eat healthier. When everyone makes changes, they don't feel like they're missing out. Ask your doctor if you can get treatment for a special day like your birthday and if you need to adjust your insulin. Plan your child's meals and treats ahead of time to hit the road. If they're having school lunches, find out what the cafeteria has to offer. Many schools post menus and nutritional information online at the beginning of the week.
Watch the exercise
If your child plays sports or plans to be more active than usual, check your blood sugar levels before starting any activity. Check back when they are active and finished.
Exercise can affect blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours, so you may need to take additional insulin or eat additional light meals. Work with your doctor to come up with a plan made just for you.
Continue to provide information to the school
Create a treatment plan with the help of your child's doctor. Please give a copy to the school. The school should determine what to do in each situation. The following questions can help you get started:
What treatment should they receive if their blood sugar is too high or too low? Can they monitor their blood sugar levels themselves? What are the guidelines for exercising based on blood sugar and other factors?
Additional preparatory work may be required, such as parties and outings. Together you and your child's school staff can help keep diabetes under control.
Make your child more confident
Young people want more freedom and independence. If your teens have diabetes, they will want to manage their diabetes themselves, or at least get much less help from you. Letting go of some of that control can be intimidating as slips and issues can occur along the way, but as you get older it becomes an important step.
When teens are ready to self-manage their diabetes, try the following to make them more responsible.
Slowly release control and make sure you can handle the task. Don't be stubborn about self-care. Praise them as they work. It encourages them to continue doing a good job. Give them one-on-one time with the doctor. This gives you more control over maintenance. Remind them that they can talk to you anytime and about anything.
Do you have an emergency response plan?
Even with careful planning, your child's blood sugar may be too high or too low. Your child should always have a 'low box' on hand in addition to the emergency insulin. Pack this kit with fast-acting sources of carbohydrates like glucose tablets, candies, and juices.
Tell your child's teachers, bus drivers, coaches, and parents about diabetes. Make sure you know what to do and contact information in case of problems.
Leave Comment