by Evelina Davis

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: June 13, 2008

As a licensed childcare provider for the past 9 years also the God Mother of a juvenile diabetic(The disease tends to occur in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood), I have been allowed to work with several children that are diabetic.(Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism the way in which your body converts the food you eat into energy) There are several important factors to keep in mind when raising diabetic children. The most important is to know the signs and symptoms which include hunger,need to urinate often,great thirst and loss of weight. These signs and symptoms may appear abruptly but the damage to the cells may have began much earlier.I just named a few of the effects of the disease but have yet to name some of the more complicated effects which include possible blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, but with proper treatment these risk may be avoided.

Glucose is the body's main source of energy.In order for your cells to take in glucose a hormone called insulin must be present in the blood.

Nutrition is very important in the treatment of diabetes. Children with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as a child without diabetes. A meal plan needs to be developed to meet the individual needs of the child, taking into consideration food preferences, family eating patterns and schedules,weight, activity level, and insulin peaks. It is recommended that children see a Registered Dietitian at least once a year for individualized menu planning. Here is a few tips when dealing with children with diabetes nutrition.

Sweets can be eaten on a special occasion such as a birthday
party or Halloween party. The carbohydrates should be included as
part of the child's meal plan.

Children should carry convenient snacks when traveling and of you are not traveling with the child an adult should be notified that the child has diabetes and may need to have a snack at some time during the trip.

Children with diabetes may participate in the school lunch program. Parents be sure to review school menu ahead of time and modify if needed.

Physical activity is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle for all children including children with diabetes. here is a few general physical activities guidelines.

Drink lot of sugar free fluids including water.
Test blood sugar before doing any physical activities.
To avoid low blood sugar, eat more carbohydrate or talk with your health care provider about reducing the amount of insulin prior to physical activity.

Warning signs and symptoms of low blood sugar.( hypoglycemia)Severe reactions are often preventable by early detection. Blood sugar can go too low if the child with diabetes has

Taken to much insulin
Delayed meals or snacks or not enough
Had extra exercise without extra food

A wide variety of symptoms and behaviors can occur
Change in personality
Shakiness
Headache
Tantrums or sudden rage

Thats just a few But if a child is showing signs and symptoms, check blood sugar before treating a child suspected of hypoglycemia, but when in doubt treat.

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