Children can contract two types of diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder that is more common in children. Type 2 usually affects adults but is being increasingly diagnosed in children. According to the Mayo Clinic, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through diet and exercise. The type of treatment for diabetic children depends on what type of diabetes they have.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Monitoring blood sugar is one of the most important parts of treatment for diabetes. Diabetic children should check their blood sugar a few times every day using a simple blood test. The Mayo Clinic explains that regular blood sugar checks are the only way to ensure that blood sugar is within a normal range. Blood sugars that are too high, hyperglycemia, or too low, hypoglycemia, can increase the risk of diabetic complications like heart and kidney damage, vision problems, nerve damage and disorders of the skin, teeth and gums.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that prevents blood sugar from going too high. Diabetics experience high blood sugars because they have problems regulating insulin. Treatment with insulin is common for type 1 diabetic children but is not usually administered to type 2 diabetics. According to the National Diabetes Education Program, insulin is given via daily injections or an insulin pump. There are many types of insulin, and in some cases a doctor may prescribe a combination of insulins to manage diabetes. Diabetic children treated with insulin may have to adjust their insulin dose periodically based on their blood sugar. Taking too much or too little insulin can result in diabetic complications.
Oral Medications
Type 2 diabetics may take oral medications to reduce blood sugar. The Mayo Clinic reports that the only oral medication approved for diabetic children over the age of nine is metformin. Side effects of metformin include nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea. Metformin should not be used by individuals with liver, kidney or heart failure.
Diet
Diet and exercise not only help to prevent type 2 diabetes but are important for treating both types of diabetes. Diabetic children can eat all types of food but need to be mindful of how much they eat at any one time and how frequently they eat. Diabetic children should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products to support overall health, growth and development and disease management. They should limit fat and sugar, because these can lead to high blood sugar, weight gain, obesity and chronic diseases when consumed in excess.
Exercise
Exercise helps control blood sugar and benefits the heart, muscles, mood, weight and self-confidence. Federal guidelines encourage children to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day from a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The Mayo Clinic reminds parents and caregivers that exercise can lower blood sugar, which may then require medication or diet adjustments.
