Learning about your child’s newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes can be incredibly stressful, overwhelming, and an emotional experience as a parent. But do understand that it is not your fault and there is absolutely nothing you could have done to prevent it.
Helping your child understand how to manage diabetes independently, without stressing them out with too much responsibility is challenging for every parent.
What you should understand is that, managing diabetes is very individualized as what works for others might not work for your child. Their needs in type 1 diabetes treatment may vary.
Best of 6 survival tips for parents to help their child cope with type 1 diabetes
1. Diet – help your child with a good type 1 diabetes diet their diabetes doctor would suggest for them. Since they are young, their diet need not be too strict; it only needs to have a proper balance of carbs with the right amount of insulin. Their diet should include a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein.
2. Limit the carbs – there are carbs in bread, milk, sugar, cereals, and fruits and are equally important for people with diabetes. Your child does not have to eliminate carbs completely out of their diet but they can be on a low-carb diet. Carbs are an important source of growth and body development in children.
3. Fast-acting glucose – in case of low blood sugar episodes, make sure you have fast-acting glucose such as juice boxes, glucose tablets, gummy bears or even packs of sugar handy. Avoid candy or any item that is high in protein or fat as that takes time to raise your child’s blood sugar levels.
4. Check blood sugar – make it a habit to monitor their blood sugar levels time to time. This way they will learn and also get used to doing the same in case you are not around. Make them understand the importance of monitoring their blood sugar levels before and after their meals, before any physical activity, and bedtime.
5. Limit snacks – your child’s favourite snack time should now be planned according to their type 1 diabetes treatment, physical activity, blood sugar readings and diabetes diet suggested by their diabetes doctor to make sure their blood sugar remains stable.
6. Diabetes ID card – remember, diabetes is not an illness it is a chronic condition which constantly requires attention to lead a healthy life. Make sure your child always carries or wears their ID as a sign of medical alert identification. This helps to notify people around them to know what exactly needs to be done in case of any emergency.
Diabetes can be managed. You just need to understand how to adjust your child’s food and diabetes medication in the right balance. Constant support and awareness about diabetes and how to manage it will make it easy for you and your child to get through and lead a healthy and happy life.
Visit your nearest Apollo Sugar Clinics for a comprehensive diabetes check-up, with our team of experts – doctors, educators, and dieticians.
