Diabetes in Toddlers
Raising toddlers is a trying experience as parents confront the terrible twos and wonder how they will survive. Raising toddlers with diabetes is an additional challenge. as toddlers are too young to tell their mom or dad that their sugar is low. Parents must learn to distinguish the difference between a low sugar or high sugar reaction and an emotional outburst. Most of all, they need to slowly teach their children live with diabetes.
Identification
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin, which is used to convert sugar into energy. Diagnosing Type 1 diabetes in toddlers is difficult because it is less common in young children than in adults. Toddlers, also, are unable to communicate exactly how they are feeling. Type 2 diabetes is rare in toddlers unless they are obese. In Type 2 diabetes, the body produces enough insulin but does not properly use it.
Effects
Signs of diabetes in toddlers are many. There may be an increase in thirst and frequent urination. The toddler may be tired and irritable, as well. If the toddler's appetite increases but there is weight loss, there is a possibility of diabetes. The breath will be fruity smelling, too. Once the doctor diagnoses the diabetes, the toddler will need monitoring of glucose levels throughout the day. Parents will have to administer insulin shots and watch the child's diet.
Target
The target blood sugar level for toddlers is higher than for older children. Pre-meal sugars should be between 110 to 220 mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter). Trying to keep the sugar level too close to normal is risky with toddlers because they can't recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. By keeping blood sugar between 110 and 220 mg/dl, the risk of severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is less likely. Too many incidents of severe hypoglycemia may lead to learning impairment later in the child's life. Because a toddler's eating habits can be fussy, the higher blood sugars are more likely to be safe, if the toddler does not eat.
Strategies
Insulin shots and finger pricks are going to be difficult for a toddler. The parent needs to create a calm attitude, so there is no cause of anxiety with the child. Preparing the equipment in another room and performing the tasks where the child is playing is a good idea. The parent must be quick, soothing and loving when it's over. Parents also need to make sure the toddler has three meals and three snacks a day. If the child is fussy about eating, it's wise not to fight about it. It just causes anxiety for the child.
Signs
To assure that the toddler is healthy, there are signs to look for in the child. If the child has normal growth and weight gains, that is a good sign. No frequent urination and thirst is good. A healthy toddler will be energetic and have few low blood sugar occurrences. Blood sugar readings will not be less than 110 mg/dl or if the readings are over 220 mg/dl, it will not be for long periods.
Tags: Type diabetes, blood sugar, diabetes toddlers, frequent urination, Raising toddlers, , sugar level