Patient education: Type 1 diabetes in children (The Basics)

What is type 1 diabetes? — 

This is a disorder that disrupts the way the body uses sugar. It is also called type 1 diabetes mellitus.

All the cells in the body need sugar to work normally. Sugar gets into cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by the pancreas, an organ in the belly. If there is not enough insulin, or if cells in the body don't respond normally to insulin, sugar builds up in the blood. That is what happens to people with diabetes.

In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas makes little or no insulin. They need to:

●Check their blood sugar often

●Take insulin to keep their blood sugar in the right range

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition. Finding out your child has diabetes can be scary and stressful. But learning about diabetes can help you support them in living a healthy life.

Who will help manage my child's diabetes? — 

Different people will help take care of your child and teach you what to do at home. Your child's diabetes team will probably include a doctor, diabetes nurse, dietitian (food expert), and sometimes a mental health counselor and a pharmacist. Your child will see these people regularly. At these visits, the team will:

●Do a physical exam

●Do blood tests, including a test to check your child's blood sugar

●Talk to you about your child's treatment plan

●Talk to you about your child's diet and exercise habits

●Ask about how you and your child are coping

●Answer your questions about how to care for your child

As your child grows older, they should learn more about how to take care of their diabetes.

At school, the school nurse and other staff will help manage your child's diabetes.

Does my child need medicine? — 

Yes. Children with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. Insulin lowers a person's blood sugar level.

Usually, children and teens first get insulin with shots. This can be done with a needle and syringe or with a pen injector. The shot is given just under the skin, so it hurts less than a vaccine. Insulin shots are given several times a day, at meals and before bed.

There are different types of insulin. Your child's diabetes team will teach you:

●About the different types of insulin and when to use them

●How to give insulin shots

●How to choose your child's insulin dose – This depends on different things, like what your child eats and how active they are.

After having diabetes for a little while, your child's diabetes team might recommend switching to an "insulin pump." This is a device that slowly delivers insulin to the body. The insulin goes from the pump, through a thin tube, and into the body through a tiny needle under the skin.

Can my child still eat the same foods as before? — 

Yes. However, you need to plan what and how much your child eats, and when they eat. This can be overwhelming at first. But with time, you will get used to this, and your child will still be able to eat the foods they enjoy.

You will learn to make sure your child gets the right balance of carbohydrates ("carbs"), proteins, and fats. This is important because what your child eats affects how much insulin they need to take.

The diabetes team will work with you to:

●Help you plan healthy meals and snacks for your child

●Help you make a schedule for meals and snacks

●Teach you how to choose the correct insulin dose based on your child's eating habits

Will my child's physical activity be limited? — 

No. Getting regular exercise is important and good for your child's health. But exercise does affect their blood sugar level. You might need to check their blood sugar more often before and after physical activity. You will also need to learn to adjust their insulin dose when they plan to be very active.

How else can I help my child? — 

You can:

●Learn about diabetes – The more you know about it, the better you can manage it.

●Learn to check your child's blood sugar – The diabetes team will show you how. You might need to prick their fingertip and then use a "blood glucose meter." Some children use a device that measures their sugar level all the time. This is called "continuous glucose monitoring."

●Keep your child's blood sugar levels in the right range – Very high or very low levels can cause serious problems. This needs to be treated right away. Also, having high blood sugar levels over many years can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.

●Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar – They can be different, depending on the child's age. Sometimes, a child's blood sugar can get too high or too low without causing any symptoms. Always check your child's blood sugar if you are not sure.

●Learn what to do when your child's blood sugar level is too low or too high – Know when to treat it at home and when to go to the hospital or call for an ambulance.

●Have your child wear a medical bracelet or necklace – This way, other people will know about their diabetes in case of an emergency.

●As your child gets older, talk to them about their diabetes – School-aged children can often start to be more involved in taking care of themselves. For example, they might be able to check their own blood sugar or prepare their supplies. Supervise your child closely as they learn.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Your child's diabetes team will give you instructions about when to call for help or advice. Make sure you know how to reach them. You should also tell them if you have any questions about how to manage your child's diabetes.

Call right away if:

●Your child's blood sugar is too high or low.

●You think your child got too much or too little insulin.

●Your child is feeling sick.

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