Type 1 Diabetes: Your Child's Role in Care - Topic Overview
Children with diabetes should participate in their treatment to the extent that is fitting for their age and experience with the disease.
- Toddlers and preschool-aged children usually aren't able to do tasks for diabetes care such as giving insulin or checking blood sugar. As children get older, they generally cooperate with these tasks.
- Children in elementary school can cooperate in all tasks required for their care. With maturity and experience, many children can test their blood sugar level with supervision.
- Children in middle school or junior high school should be able to test their own blood sugar level. But they may need help during low blood sugar episodes. Some children can give insulin shots with supervision.
- Teens should be able to handle their care with appropriate supervision. Teens may choose to use an insulin pump instead of shots. If they choose to use a pump, they still need supervision from adults.
When your child with diabetes begins school (or attends a child care center), you and the staff will work together to create a plan of care with instructions for handling your child's special needs. Children can participate fully in all school activities while still receiving the supervision and care they need. See a diabetes care plan for children attending a child care center or school for information about making a care plan for your child.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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