It might seem impossible to keep up with the ever-changing needs of a child with type 1 diabetes. But understanding what to expect as your child gets bigger and how your child's blood sugar management plan should evolve can help ease the growing pains for you and your family.
Learning about Your Child's Blood Sugar Response.
In short, kids can be unpredictable. But over time you can learn how your child's blood sugar responds to a changing routine and a changing body. Here are a few things that can have an effect on your child's blood sugar levels:
- Activity. Physical activity lowers blood sugar levels. If you know your child is going to be unusually active (a soccer game, for example), you may need to lower the insulin dose or give him/her a snack beforehand.
- Puberty, growth spurts, hormones. As the saying goes, kids grow overnight, and their insulin needs grow right along with them. Hormones can also play a role, especially for teenage girls beginning to menstruate.
- Sleep. Kids need a lot of sleep and it can be hard to gauge insulin needs when they sleep until noon. They're also more at risk for low blood sugar over night.
- Eating. Blood sugar is typically highest 1-2 hours after eating. But what if your teen constantly eats? Or your toddler refuses to take another bite after you've already given them insulin to cover the meal? Work with your doctor to come up with a backup plan.
- Illness. Being sick can produce hormones that raise blood sugar. Having a fever can also increase metabolism. Your child may need more insulin during an illness.
- Other medications. Other medications could change your child's insulin needs, so always check with the doctor first.
The teenage years can be a particular challenge for many reasons. Worried about fitting in or feeling the need to rebel, teens might begin to ignore their diabetes care plan. They might also experiment with drugs or alcohol. So help your child understand the risks of uncontrolled blood sugar and talk about how to manage diabetes in any situation.
Your Child's Blood Sugar Management Plan
Your child's doctor should be your first resource, helping you navigate your child's changing needs and prepare for the unexpected. But it's also important to enlist the help of others--train a backup caretaker and take a break every now and then. Because you may never be able to keep up with your child's blood sugar needs if you don't take care of yourself first.
