Type 1 Diabetes: Children Living With the Disease

Your child with type 1 diabetes will have high and low blood sugar levels from time to time. You can help avoid many immediate problems and long-term complications, such as eye, kidney, heart, blood vessel, and nerve disease, by:

• Helping your child develop a healthy attitude toward having diabetes. As your child grows and develops, let him or her assume appropriate responsibility for treatment.
• Encouraging and supporting your child to keep blood sugar levels within a Reference target range. Starting tight control of blood sugar levels as soon as possible after diagnosis of diabetes gives your child the greatest chance of avoiding complications from diabetes later on in life.
• Checking your child's blood sugar level several times a day and whenever you think it may be high or low.
• Recognizing and treating high and low blood sugar quickly. Make sure everyone who cares for your child knows how to treat high and low blood sugar episodes.
• Discussing the dangers of smoking, drinking alcohol, and using other drugs. Smoking affects the blood vessels and can lead to diabetes complications earlier in life.^{Reference 3} Alcohol and other drugs can mask symptoms of low blood sugar, which may lead to an emergency situation.
• Keeping your child's Reference immunizations up to date. Diabetes affects the Reference immune system Opens New Window, increasing the risk of developing a severe illness.
• Keeping your child's doctor aware of behavior changes in your child. Reference Emotions and behavior can affect how well you and your child manage diabetes treatment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.