Once known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Type 1 diabetes and even rarer genetic forms of diabetes (neonatal or monogenic diabetes) can develop quickly. For many infants and children, the first sign of diabetes comes when a child suddenly becomes very sick, perhaps sick enough to require hospitalization.
In the Sutter Health network, our dedicated care teams focus on every aspect of your child’s health to provide diabetes care. We make it easy for you to get answers to your questions and to move forward with an individualized care plan that works for your family.
- Diabetes Education — We offer a variety of classes for you and your child, covering topics including basic nutrition and exercise guidelines; self-blood glucose monitoring, insulin, diabetic emergencies and sick-day management.
- Medical Nutrition Therapy — Nutrition and diet play an important role in helping your child manage diabetes. Your pediatrician can refer your child to a registered dietitian for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) that involves managing nutrition using prescription-based approaches and developing a personalized treatment plan.
- Insulin Pump Programs — Many children and teens who manage their diabetes through daily insulin injections are willing to take on the initial effort and added responsibility of an insulin pump to gain the added freedom and flexibility pumps provide. Children as young as toddlers have used the pump, but it takes commitment from parents and older children to make a smooth transition. Insulin pump programs for children and teens are available at several Sutter locations.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring — A Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, by prescription from your doctor, can help you and your child learn more about diabetes control. The system provides blood sugar measurement every five minutes, for at least three days. This data can help you and your child’s care team create a personalized treatment plan.
