Kids, Teens & Parents

It's important to reassure kids and teens with diabetes that, with treatment and support, they can live their life.

Kids, check out a special resource created just for you, at t1dStars.com

Checklist

  • Talk to the teacher/nurse at school, so they are aware of the situation
  • Talk to your neighbors and kids friends, so they could help if needed
  • It is important that your child can recognise warning signs in themselves
  • They should be familiar with their medication
  • Check if your child measures blood glucose every day and adapt insulin doses accordingly
  • Don't forget an appointment for monitoring a child's diabetes with the doctor: a consultation every three months at least, plus an annual checkup
  • Participate in hospital or health centre educational courses to get to know and understand diabetes better

School

A child or teen with diabetes who uses insulin can lead a normal school life. However, it's important that teachers get informed about the disease so that they can adapt their care. For example, if the child's blood glucose goes up significantly, the child may need to urinate often and therefore drink more water. He or she will need to be granted permission to drink in class and go to the toilets if necessary. A teacher should know the signs of hypoglycemia and how to react accordingly.

School meals

Teach your child to eat carbohydrates at every meal.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Sport is fine, except in some cases such as hyperglycemia with ketonuria. In the case of swimming, water sports and balancing gymnastics, it's best that someone watches the child to make sure all is well. Sport lowers blood sugar, so a glycemic check is recommended before and after exercise. Make sure the teacher knows the child has diabetes. Both teacher and child should have a sweet snack with low fat to hand, just in case.

Holidays and travel

Make sure your child takes his or her insulin equipment, medication, testing supplies (meter, strips, lancing device…) and diabetes documents with him or her. Otherwise, travel is fine.

Growth

When diabetes is not well controlled, a child's growth can be slowed, children may feel tired, their physical strength and their ability to concentrate may decrease. Small wounds heal more slowly.