It’s a diagnosis no parent ever wants to hear, but thousands learn that childhood diabetes is the reality for their little one. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), an estimated 352,000 children and teenagers in the U.S. have diabetes. How can you, as a parent, detect it, and what do you do to manage it once your child is officially diagnosed? Keep reading to understand how you can help your loved one navigate this new way of life.
What Indicators Point to Diabetes?
If you notice any of these issues, you’ll need to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to discuss what might be the problem:
- Your child complains of always being thirsty
- Your child needs to urinate frequently
- Your child is always hungry, even after eating a full meal
- Your child is losing weight for no reason
- Your child is sluggish and regularly fatigued; they feel weak
- Your child experiences mood swings and is often irritable
- Your child may notice words are blurry
- Your child does not heal quickly after obtaining a small cut or wound
What Should You Do to Manage Your Child’s Diabetes?
If you schedule an appointment with their pediatrician and discover they have childhood diabetes, you’ll need to help them manage it to avoid more serious health issues. You can do this by:
- Helping them regularly check their blood sugar levels to ensure they are within a healthy range.
- Making sure they eat a balanced diet full of complex carbohydrates and nutritious foods (i.e., lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, leafy greens, etc.).
- Encouraging them to exercise to regulate their blood sugar levels.
- Providing insulin injections, if required, according to the instructions provided by their doctor.
- Treating any fluctuations in their blood sugar levels that require them to eat a healthy snack when necessary, or adjusting their medication, as necessary.
You will also find it essential to inform their teachers and school staff about their condition so that proper precautions and exceptions are provided. You should supply your child or teen with their glucose monitor, insulin, and healthy snacks.
Developing a routine and healthy habits will give your child the best chance to succeed when living with diabetes. Although it may not be what you or your little one expects to hear, you can help them take appropriate steps to ensure their overall health for the future.
About the Author
Dr. Aaron Weiss is a father of two and a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist in Orlando. As a licensed physician, he regularly cares for young patients with childhood diabetes. Offering assistance and education to parents and their children or teens on the topic, he can ensure you and your family have the tools needed to move forward with better overall health in mind. If you have concerns about your child potentially having childhood diabetes, contact us at (407) 477-6774 to schedule an appointment.