When a child has diabetes, parents have several important tasks to do: they need to test their blood sugar levels, give them insulin, make sure they are eating the right foods, and keep their blood sugar in a healthy range at all times. There is a lot to deal with, but if you know what to do in any given situation, you can do it right.
Adherence to target blood glucose testing
The doctor will tell how often to test your child’s blood glucose, what the target value is, and what method is most appropriate. Testing can be done by taking blood from the fingertip or other parts of the body, and the child may also have a special blood glucose meter.
Insulin can be given by injection or by an insulin pump. Your doctor will tell you when to use it and how much to use.
Children often don’t like injections, but there are other ways to make giving the medicine easier
- Breathing exercises. Breathe deeply with your child and help him or her relax. If the child is calm, it may be easier. If your child is younger, have her blow bubble wands, which will allow her to breathe slowly and deeply.
- Let your child choose which finger to receive the pinprick. Have him/her count to zero with herself so she knows when the needle is going to pierce her skin.
Eating scientifically, as a family
If your child has diabetes, encourage the whole family to implement a science-based diet so that your child doesn’t feel like she’s missing out on treats if each family member makes changes. Ask your doctor if your child needs treatment for a special occasion, such as a birthday, and if so, ask your doctor if you need to adjust his or her insulin dosage.
Monitor your child’s movement
If your child is exercising or planning to increase exercise, test blood glucose levels before he or she starts exercising. And check again during and after exercise.
The effect of exercise on blood glucose levels can last up to 24 hours, so your child may need to take extra insulin or eat an extra snack. Work with your doctor to develop an exercise plan.
Stay in close contact with school
With the assistance of the doctor, a disease management plan can be developed together and a copy submitted to your child’s school. The plan should detail what the school should do for each condition, and the following questions can help to begin to develop the plan.
- What treatment should a child get when his or her blood glucose level is too high or too low?
- Can my child monitor his or her own blood glucose levels?
- What are the guidelines to follow when doing physical activity based on blood glucose levels or other factors?
By working together, parents and staff at your child’s school can ensure that their diabetes is under control.
Increasing your child’s independence
Teenagers need more freedom and independence. If a child is a teenager and has diabetes, he or she will most likely want to be able to manage the disease on his or her own, or at least with less help from parents.
For parents, letting go of some of the control of their child’s disease may be worrisome because of the potential for mistakes and problems along the way, but it is a crucial step as the child grows into an adult.
If your child is ready to manage his or her diabetes on his or her own, try the following to help your child increase his or her sense of responsibility for his or her own disease control:
- Let go of control gradually and slowly to make sure he or she is up to the job.
- Try not to repeatedly blame him/her for management behaviors.
- Make sure to praise your child when he or she is doing well. This will motivate him or her to continue working on better management of his or her illness.
- Allow the child to spend time alone with the doctor. This will help the child strengthen his or her management of his or her illness.
- Tell your child that he can talk to anyone about anything.