Type 1 diabetes mellitus is diagnosed in most cases between the ages of 1 year and 6-7 years. The disease occurs when the production of insulin decreases or stops. Today, it is completely impossible to cure this disease, the treatment consists in compensating for its manifestations with insulin injections, adherence to a diet and feasible physical activity.
Instructions
Step 1
The earlier the child is diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and the treatment is prescribed, the better the results. Treatment for this form of the disease is aimed at reducing the existing symptoms. The main tasks are to compensate for carbohydrate metabolism, normalize body weight, prevent and treat complications, and educate the child.
Step 2
Compensation of carbohydrate metabolism is achieved by insulin therapy and diet. Diabetes diet is a necessary, vital part of treatment. Its violation can lead to hypo- or hyperglycemic coma and even to the death of the patient. Balance the child's diet in terms of proteins, fats, and calories. Limit easily digestible carbohydrates - white flour products, potatoes, semolina, pasta. The diet should contain natural vegetables and fruits every day. Avoid greasy, spicy, salty sauces and sugary gravies. A child with diabetes mellitus should be fed 6 times a day or even more often. For the success of diet therapy, keep a food diary, make entries in it about all the food eaten by the child during the day, calculate the number of bread units. Keeping such a food diary helps to identify the cause of episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, aids patient education, and helps the doctor find the right dose of antihyperglycaemic drugs and insulins.
Step 3
Insulin treatment is necessary to compensate for carbohydrate metabolism, prevent hyper- and hypoglycemia, and prevent complications of diabetes mellitus. Almost all children with diabetes receive insulin. The selection of its type and dose should be carried out by an endocrinologist with constant monitoring of the sugar level. With the advent of long-acting insulin preparations, one injection per day may be sufficient. Diabetes pills, such as "Maninil", "Glipizid", are quite effective in adult patients, but very rarely help children. They are used only for milder forms or are prescribed as an adjuvant. Correctly selected therapy with insulin preparations greatly facilitates the course of the disease and allows children to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.
Step 4
Exercise is also a necessary part of diabetes management in children. They optimize body weight, enhance the ability to absorb sugar and maintain normal sugar levels. As a result, the insulin dose may be reduced. In type 1 diabetes, blood sugar levels are very unstable. Parents need to properly plan the intensity and timing of classes. The child himself is unable to assess his condition during sports or just outdoor games. Therefore, adult supervision during physical exertion is necessary. Children and adolescents with diabetes, subject to all the doctor's recommendations, develop well both physically and mentally.
