Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body fails to produce or is unable to utilize insulin. Insulin is an important hormone that regulates the levels of glucose, the body's main energy source, in the blood. Children can have two types of diabetes: type 1, in which the body does not produce sufficient insulin; and type 2, in which the cells of the body cannot use the insulin properly. There are several treatments for diabetes.
Diet and Exercise
Children with diabetes need complete nutritional assessments and monitoring, as well as an exercise program. The body converts the sugars in the food we eat into glucose, which can have an impact on a child's daily glucose levels. Children with diabetes are instructed to monitor their carbohydrate intake and to adjust their medicines according to blood sugar measurements and calculations of glucose intake. The goal is to maintain an adequate level of sugar intake in the diet without large fluctuations in the amount ingested. An appropriate diet and nutrition are important to prevent obesity, a known predisposing factor to type 2 diabetes.
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
Oral hypoglycemic agents are medicines children can take to maintain an appropriate blood sugar level. These medicines are part of the treatment for children with type 2 diabetes. There are several types of oral hypoglycemic agents. Some stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin, while others work to increase the body's response to the hormone. According to the Merck Manuals, health providers prescribe these medicines if diet and exercise fail to control the child's blood sugar level. Side effects for these drugs include weight changes, diarrhea and fluid retention.
Insulin
Insulin replacement is the main treatment for children with type 1 diabetes, and it can be a component for the treatment of some children with type 2 diabetes. Children need to inject this medicine, usually under the skin in the arm, thigh or abdomen. There are different types of insulin, depending on how long it lasts in the system. A primary care provider will determine the appropriate type and doses of insulin needed to achieve optimum glucose control.
