Diabetes in children: treatments

Why is my son or daughter diabetic?

Normally, the pancreas makes insulin : by bringing sugar (glucose) into our cells, it regulates the blood sugar level (glycemia). Once in the cells, the glucose is either stored or consumed: it is the energy of our body. In children with diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin. Result: glucose does not enter the cells, it is in excess in the blood (hyperglycemia). On the other hand, cells lack their energy source and no longer function properly.

At what age can you have diabetes?

While each case is different, type 1 diabetes can develop at a fairly young age. It is considered that in half of cases of type 1 diabetes, the disease begins before the age of twenty.

What symptoms and signs for diabetes?

Most often, the disease appears overnight without warning or at the turn of a strong emotion. The child is very thirsty, he often goes to pee, he is tired and thin. If it is not supported, its condition worsens : abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, respiratory disorders et disturbances of consciousness appear at an advanced stage.

Early diabetes: an indisputable diagnosis

At this age, hyperglycemia signs the diagnosis of diabetes and justifies hospitalization of the child. The doctor will dose blood sugar level by pricking the tip of the child’s finger to collect a drop of blood. The presence of sugar can also be tested for in the urine using a test strip. In both cases, the result is immediate.

Treatment of type 1 diabetes: daily injections

Parents must inject, at a minimum twice a day, insulin to their child, using a syringe or ‘pen injector’. The doses vary depending on the results of the child’s blood sugar, diet and activities. Also, at least three or four times a day, the child must with his parents measure his blood sugar by taking a drop of blood at the end of his finger. An electronic device then analyzes it and displays the sugar level.

Alternatively, insulin can also be administered continuously using a external pump. This more recent injection method is particularly preferred for babies under one year of age or in cases of unstable diabetes. This pump, which looks like a small cell phone, is connected to a tiny cannula, inserted under the child’s skin and held by an adhesive bandage. It also makes it possible to deliver a ‘bolus’ of insulin, that is to say an additional dose at the time of the meal or before a physical activity for example.

Good eating habits for diabetics

Le nibbling is strongly discouraged and meals should be balanced. The schedules are adapted to insulin therapy (strict in case of treatment by injection, much more flexible in case of treatment by pump). The child must always have sweet foods, that it can take at the first signs of hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar): feeling of hunger, sweating, tremors, pallor, behavioral problems, etc.

Sport for diabetics, of course

Physical activity is recommended as for all children, knowing that the muscles need more glucose to provide effort, which causes a drop in blood sugar. Here again, the child will therefore have to adjust his insulin dose or eat more starchy foods.

Children with diabetes: the role of parents

As long as the child is not able to treat himself, they are the ones who must measure his blood sugar, adjust his insulin doses and make the two daily injections, or change the insulin pump catheter every 48 hours. . From the start, they are therefore informed about the disease and trained in technical procedures (blood sugar dosage, injections), in the recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia, in the composition of meals, etc. Later, when their child will be more independent , they should continue to support him and help him manage his treatment.

How do I look after my diabetic child?

Un individualized reception project (PAI), which specifies the necessary adaptations and the measures to be implemented in the event of an emergency, should allow all children to go to nursery or nursery school. Unfortunately, in practice, it is often difficult to find a nurse to measure the child’s blood sugar and give injections (or boluses), especially at mealtime. For more information: www.ajd-educ.org