When you think of diabetes, you may think of Type 2 diabetes, which is generally caused by poor diet, obesity and lack of exercise. However, Type 1 diabetes accounts for up to 10 percent of all cases of diabetes. The cause of Type 1 diabetes remains unclear, but it occurs when the cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, preventing the body from converting sugar to energy.
“There is no routine test for Type 1 diabetes,” says Anne Fitz, RN, PNP-BC, certified diabetes educator at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “If a child experiences symptoms associated with the disease—such as frequent urination, increased fluid intake and unexplained weight loss—he or she should see a pediatrician.”
Controlling the Condition
In addition to taking insulin, management of Type 1 diabetes involves daily blood sugar testing, healthy eating and exercise. A diabetes diagnosis can be frightening news for the child and parents alike, so it is important to participate in a comprehensive diabetes education program so the whole family can learn what to expect.
At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, children newly diagnosed with diabetes are hospitalized for two to three days for medical management of their diabetes so they and their families can receive education about managing the disease. Following discharge, St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers ongoing outpatient management and follow up and a support group for parents of children with diabetes.
Click here to learn more about the diabetes support group for parents.