The second piece of information that the family will need is how to identify the symptoms and how to treat hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar, and is easier to identify than hyperglycemia. Here the signs will be: shakiness, dizziness, paleness of the skin, sweating, hunger, difficulty concentrating, and if left untreated, the loss of consciousness. In order to treat this condition the child should drink ½ cup of juice, eat 5-6 pieces of hard candy, take 3 glucose tabs, or get an injection of Glucogen. Glucogen is injected like insulin and can be found at most pharmacies.
The third piece of information that diabetic families need to know is what exactly is type 1 diabetes and how does it effect the body. This information should be delivered in a manner that the child can understand. To effectively inform children about diabetes special materials geared for children should be used.
Books Geared for Children:
* 487 Really Cool Tips for Kids with Diabetes by Spike Nasmyth Loy and Bo Nasmyth Loy. Published by the American Diabetes Association, 2004. ISBN 1-58040-191-0. 262 pages, $14.95;
* Even Little Kids Get Diabetes by Connie White Pirner. Pictures by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Published by Ablert Whitman & Company, 1991. ISBN 0-8075-2158-2 (hardcover) or 0-8075-2159-0 (paperback). Books Geared for Parents with Diabetic Children:
* Diabetes Care for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers: A Reassuring Guide by Jean Betschart, C.R.N.P., C.D.E. Published by John Wiley & Sons, 1999. US$14.95. ISBN 0471346764.
Videos:
"The Doctor Is In: Pediatric Diabetes" by the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. VHS videotape. 28 minutes.
Diabetes effects every aspect of a child’s life and this includes their personal care and hygiene. Diabetes causes medical problems that, if left untreated can turn into life-threatening conditions. To avoid this, it is important to educate diabetic children to recognize changes in their bodies, and to inform their parents when they notice these changes. The areas of the most concern are changes in vision, and pain experienced in the feet, gums, and joints. All of these changes or experiences of pain can be symptoms of diabetic health conditions that are developing. In order to prevent damage to organs and senses, frequent visits to the dentist, eye doctor, nutritionist, and pediatrician are recommended for children with type 1 diabetes. Also it is important for diabetic children to have shoes that fit well and that do not rub, as diabetics are prone to developing foot lesions. One helpful hint to protect young feet is to buy runner’s socks. They are more absorbent and cushioning than regular socks and will help to keep the feet healthy.
The final piece of information diabetic families need to learn is how to keep the child healthy. This means learning proper nutrition for growing children, how to snack right, what foods are diabetic friendly, and what foods should be avoided. To accomplish this it is important for diabetic families to meet with a nutritionist at least once a year to review eating plans and to design eating and snacking strategies to help balance the child’s blood sugar most effectively. In addition to good nutrition, the child will also need to develop an exercise plan that keeps their body fit and their blood glucose levels low. Families can play sports together, walk together, or bike together to make sure the diabetic child is getting enough exercise to keep them healthy.