Type 1 diabetes is fundamentally diagnosed in childhood
and adolescence, which implies the need to educate both the patient and the
family (also their teachers and friends) in everything related to the disease,
both with regard to the treatment as well as the life guidelines to be
maintained from that moment on. The balance between the administration of
insulin, food, and physical exercise is an essential part of the treatment, and
vigilance in avoiding episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia is very
important, through continuous control of blood glucose levels, which should
always do before bedtime.
Everything in the life of the type 1 diabetic must be
regulated so that it acquires a routine character, with enough flexibility to
adapt to specific situations, such as trips, excursions, celebrations,
occasional changes in physical activity, outings with friends on the weekend,
vacations, etc. At all times, people with this type of diabetes can lead a
normal and full life, but always under the ailment that it is organized around
the treatment to be followed. The important thing is that the diabetic child
or adolescent takes insulin, eats, and exercises always at the identical time of
day, which in certain situations can be difficult.
At school
It should never be hidden that a child has type 1
diabetes and even less so in the school environment and in the usual circle of
friends. On the contrary: teachers and friends should be informed about
the characteristics of the disease, its treatment needs and especially about
how to recognize the symptoms that precede an episode of hypoglycemia, so that
they can react in time and appropriately. . If they eat at school, they
must meet their nutritional needs and parents must know the level of physical
activity that is carried out in gym classes, in order to adjust the insulin
dose that their child needs. Likewise, the school must have a glucagon
emergency kit to use in the event of hypoglycemia.
Weekends
Family leisure activities should not be restricted based
on the diabetic child or adolescent. Nor those that he can do
individually. If you increase physical activity due to the practice of any
sport, the insulin dose or the schedule in which it is administered should be
adjusted and not neglect the glycemic control at different times of the
day. The same happens if the meal times are changed or you attend any type
of party or celebration.
Teenagers with diabetes, who tend to meet friends and
have fun on weekends, must be well aware of the risks of delaying or stopping a
meal, drinking alcohol, and even increasing unscheduled physical activity. as
it can be to dance in a disco.
On the other hand, if diabetic children and adolescents
wake up later, the schedule of insulin injection and meals will have to be
adjusted from Friday dinner.
During the holidays
All of the above is equally valid for the vacation
period, especially if the child participates in some type of camp or
trip. But you should also be careful with the heat or the sun, since the
absorption rate of the injected insulin increases and there may be a risk of
hypoglycemia. Blood glucose monitoring should therefore be done more
frequently to adjust the insulin dose.
The fundamental thing, in any case, is that the diabetic
child or adolescent makes sure that they carry the necessary amount of insulin,
the glycemic control device and the glucagon emergency kit whenever they
travel. If traveling by plane, all this should be carried in hand luggage
(in the cabin), since the low temperatures in the aircraft hold can freeze
insulin and damage the test strips necessary for measuring blood
glucose. It is also advisable to bring some type of food, in case there is
a delay in the meal schedule.
Consumption of sweets
Sweets and sweets should be avoided at all times as they
can cause hyperglycemia, which would alter glucose control for several
days. Especially in the case of young offspring, this should be reported
to the parents of their friends when they come to a birthday
celebration. However, he should be made aware from the beginning that
sweets are a danger for him and that he should not take them.
In family parties or exceptional occasions, such as
Christmas or weddings, the diabetic must be one of the others. If the
celebration is at home, there are many recipes, including pastries, that allow
you to prepare food in a way that does not alter your eating plan. If they
are out, you may consider increasing your insulin dose to avoid hyperglycemia.
Take care
The diabetic patient presents a series of peculiarities
that imply special attention in certain situations:
Teeth: poor
glycemic control can lead to tooth problems, so they should be checked by the
dentist at least once a year. Of course, they must maintain proper oral
hygiene.
In the event of illness: in
these types of situations it may be necessary to increase the insulin dose, so
it will be essential to increase blood glucose and ketonuria controls. If
he is inappetent or has difficulty swallowing, he should be fed soft, crushed
or liquid food.
Vomiting: if
they do not stop, it will be necessary to take it to the hospital, without
stopping at any time from administering the corresponding dose of
insulin. He can be fed yogurt or sugary liquids.
Vaccines: you
should be vaccinated like all children.
Surgical interventions: the
medical team should be informed of your diabetic condition, in order to adapt
insulin therapy to the conditions of any surgery, such as fasting before and
after it.
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