When it comes to type 1 diabetes there are no preventative measures that can be
taken to stave off the disease.At this point in time there is no sure fire way to predict
who might be susceptible to type 1 diabetes.However, by monitoring and controlling glucose levels
and managing lifestyle changes, the prognosis of living a
happy, fulfilled life is excellent.
Controlling and managing type
1 diabetes is a joint effort involving a physician,
dietician, parents, and the child all working together to
create a normal and healthy lifestyle for the child. The
number one goal of treating a child with type 1 diabetes is
to keep the blood sugar levels within the normal range or as
close to it as possible. The first thing on the daily
regimen is checking the blood sugar levels periodically
using a meter.Doctors
may recommend a certain brand, but they all basically do the
same thing.After
the hands are washed and dried, a tiny needle, called a
lancet, pricks the finger.A drop of blood is placed on the glucose meter and the level
of glucose in the blood is given. Monitoring blood sugar
levels throughout the day provides much needed information.Parents may want to keep a log of the readings in a
notebook charting the date, time and the number revealed.
Daily insulin injections are
required to maintain a normal glucose level that falls
somewhere between 70 – 120.At regular intervals throughout the day, injections of
insulin are given to control blood sugar. Even children
learn, over time, how to give themselves injections by
inserting the needle just below the surface of the skin.The doctor will determine which insulin to use and
how often a child needs injections by examining certain
criteria such as the age of the child, how healthy the child
is, the scope of the disease as well as how much tolerance
the child may have for various medications and procedures.Parent’s opinions and thoughts weigh in on the
ultimate decision made by the physician.A newer route to controlling glucose levels is the
insulin pump and is available to some patients.The insulin pump is a small device about the size of
a pager that administers insulin continuously throughout the
day and night via a tiny tube inserted just beneath the
skin.This is as close as science has come to copying the functions
of an insulin- producing pancreas.
Ensuring the child receives
the proper dose of insulin each day tops the list of
controlling type 1 diabetes.Lifestyle changes will greatly increase a child with type 1
diabetes chances of living a normal life.The importance of a well-balanced diet using all the
food groups keeps the body in optimal health. If you're
not sure how to proceed after a visit with a doctor, make an
appointment to see a dietician.She/he will assist you in planning out menus and
ideas that best suit your child.Scheduling meals at specific times including snacks
becomes a significant part of planning meals.Keep a watchful eye on the intake of carbohydrates,
especially sugar.Talk
to your doctor and dietician about avoiding sweets.
A final key in the control
and management of type1 diabetes is exercise.Instilling a love of exercise in your child at an
early age lessens the chances for complications later in
life.Exercise
will aid in maintaining weight.It also keeps blood pressure down and helps to
control lipids or cholesterol.Finally, children need to be active to feel normal.A child with type 1 diabetes can still do anything
that other children do even though their pancreas doesn’t
work.
New treatments are being
explored by scientists and physicians around the globe.An artificial pancreas may be an option in the
future.A small device that works like a pancreas would constantly
monitor glucose levels.The potential for a cure is also a possibility that
rises before diabetics like a beacon of light.Scientists are working on ways to transplant
insulin-producing cells into the body. Stopping diabetes
before it takes hold of children with a family history of
type 1 diabetes is a well-grounded hope.
Keeping children who live
with type 1 diabetes encouraged and on the right track to a
healthy life is what it's all about.Daily insulin injections, monitoring blood glucose
levels, healthy eating, exercise with a lot of love and
laughter tossed in for good measure are the keys to
successfully treating type 1 diabetes.
