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A Juvenile Diabetic’s Emergency Kit |
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An emergency or first aid kit can be found in almost any home. But in a home where a child lives with juvenile diabetes there needs to be additional supplies for their needs. In addition to an at-home emergency kit, a child with diabetes should carry a portable kit with supplies with them at all times.
There are going to be times when your child is going to need help to manage their diabetes and it may be an emergency situation because their blood sugar has dropped dangerously low. Your child should be wearing identification that advises everyone that they are diabetic and are taking insulin and a kit with the supplies needed to help them.
The kit should include instructions on what to do in case of an emergency and numbers to call (parents and health care providers). In addition glucose tablets, fast-acting food stuff should be included to raise your child’s blood sugar quickly. Good examples of these are juice boxes and hard candies. You should include a snack that is considered long-acting too. Something that will keep for a long time such as a granola bar is a convenient item to have. This is for situations where your child should be eating their next meal but unavoidably does not have access to food (in the car during a traffic jam or out with friends).
For your home emergency kit, you should include a means to keep your child’s insulin cold in the case of a prolonged power outage. A small cooler will work nicely for this. It is also a good idea to always have extra insulin on hand. Do not wait until you are out to pick up more, you never know when an emergency can happen that would prevent your from getting some – be prepared. |
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Counting Carbs, Proteins and Fats doesn't have to be a Rocket Science |
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A Comprehensive Carb and Fat exchange list is coming soon... we are still collecting data, so please be patient... |
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Celebrating Special Occasions and Juvenile Diabetes |
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You may be worried about the long-term effects on your child once they are diagnosed with diabetes but their immediate concerns may be quite different. It is natural for them to focus on things they can’t have anymore or might miss out on. Such as cake and ice cream at birthday parties, candy from Halloween, and a big dinner with pie at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But being diabetic does not mean that you have to abstain from all sweets all the time.
Plan and plan some more. If you know that your child is going to be going to a birthday party on Saturday afternoon, alter their food intake for that day to allow them to have a small piece of cake. Until your children are much older, it is a good idea for you to stay with them at a birthday party in case of any emergencies.
If there is a class party at the school, volunteer to make something that the class can share and your child can have safely. If your children’s teachers are aware of the special dietary requirements they can include sugar-free treats on special occasions.
The same holds true for Christmas and Thanksgiving as for birthday parties. Planning ahead and adjusting meals earlier in the day will allow your child to participate in all of the festivities at holiday time that revolve around food. There are many recipes and variations to recipes that are considered diabetic friendly. These include cakes, pies, and other desserts.
There are things that can be done so your child does not feel deprived. It will make the transition smoother for everyone if you can continue on with life with only while integrated the changes needed for someone living with diabetes. But the allowances should not be made every day – keep them to special occasions only. |
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Healthy Eating Guidelines for Juvenile Diabetes |
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A daily medication and or insulin injection is required to manage type 2 diabetes in children but it is not the only management strategy. The diet plan that goes along with the daily requirements is just as important and needs to be planned accordingly. Consistency in meal times, portion sizes, and food groups are the keys to successful meal planning for children with diabetes.
Even though consistency is of the utmost importance, it does not mean that your child cannot have variety too. This may seem impossible but there are ways it can be achieved. The important rules to remember are feeding your child at the same time each day and giving them their medicine or insulin injection(s) at the same time too. This helps their bodies regulate the use of the insulin.
The other piece of the consistency equation is the servings given from the food groups. If your child gets one protein and one carbohydrate every day for the morning snack don’t deviate from that. But what you can do is provide many choices for the protein and carbohydrate and try different combinations.
If your child has a favorite meal or snack that works well with their blood sugar make it for them as often as they like. But they are going to get bored if they have to eat the same thing day in and day out. You are going to find that the food choices available are not as limited as you might have originally thought. You can also get creative and revamp old recipes making them friendly for diabetics by using sugar substitutes in place of sugar or using whole wheat in place of white (for instance in a pizza crust).
Browse diabetic cookbooks with your child and involve them in the meal planning. You are sure to have more success in preparing meals if they have a say in what they are eating. |
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Type 2 Diabetes in Children |
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The type of diabetes the majority of children are diagnosed with is type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is associated with the disease when it is diagnosed in adults – also called adult-onset. There are cases of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and the numbers are growing.
A big contributor to the increase in these numbers is poor lifestyle and diet choices for our children. But this is not the only cause and may not be the cause at all for some. Just because a child is overweight or eats unhealthy does not mean he or she will get type 2 diabetes. Although, these lifestyle choices are factors that can increase the chances of it happening.
Symptoms or factors that are present in children who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes include the following:
* A child who is over their healthy weight range or is considered obese
* Many members of the family have been diagnosed with diabetes (most times this will include one of the parents)
* Some of the same symptoms shown in type 1 diabetes may appear with type 2 diabetes as well – increased urination (frequency), unquenchable thirst, and feeling very lethargic
Some children will show none of the above signs and it can be hard to diagnose them with type 2 diabetes. Annual check-ups with your doctor are important. Discuss with your doctor your family’s medical history. If there is diabetes present in your family members your doctor may want to run routine tests even in the absence of additional signs or symptoms.
The treatment for this type of diabetes is sometimes the same as type 1 diabetes. In some patients, they will have to take an insulin injection every day. But, with type 2 diabetes, depending on the severity of the disease, it is also possible to control blood glucose levels with diet and exercise alone. |
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