Recently, we met a four-year-old, preschooler named Bella. At first glance, she\u2019s a typical playful, energetic and inquisitive child who is cute as a button. But, over the holidays she became very ill. She lost consciousness and had to be rushed to the hospital where they discovered Bella had Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as juvenile or childhood diabetes. <\/p>\n\n
According to the National Diabetes Statistics Report, \u201capproximately 210,000 children and teenagers under the age of 20 in the United States have diagnosed diabetes.\u201d1 It can occur at any age, even in children less than a year old. <\/p>\n\n
Type 1 diabetes in children \u201cis an autoimmune disease in which insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body\u2019s immune system, and a child can no longer produce insulin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
Insulin is needed to move blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, into the cells which is then stored and used for energy later. If blood glucose becomes too high, then a condition called hyperglycemia can occur. If blood sugar becomes too low then hypoglycemia occurs, and this is what happened in Bella\u2019s case and how her parents knew something was wrong. These fluctuations in blood sugar can cause life threatening complications if left untreated. \nThere is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but the good news is that it can be managed and controlled. \u201cAdvances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved blood sugar management and the quality of life for children living with Type 1 diabetes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
The reasons why this disease attacks innocent children are unknown. Family history, genetics, and exposure to certain viruses that may trigger autoimmune cell destruction are thought to be some of the reasons why. <\/p>\n\n
The warning signs can come on quickly and in Bella\u2019s case her parents thought she just had a typical virus as many of the symptoms are similar to common ailments that are often seen in children. The thought of diabetes did not even occur as something that could possibly be wrong with sweet, precious Bella. Here are a few of the signs to watch out for:<\/p>\n\n
Type 1 diabetes can cause serious complications and affect vital organs. Managing blood sugar levels and keeping them as close to normal is the key to reducing and preventing complications. Here are a few target ranges to keep in mind for children living with Type 1 diabetes.<\/p>\n\n
Before meal range:<\/strong> After meal range:<\/strong> At bedtime range:<\/strong> Using these ranges as a guide will help to keep levels in check and avoid complications that could include:<\/p>\n\n \u201cLiving with Type 1 diabetes requires perpetual insulin delivery. There are three primary methods to administer insulin: injections, inhaled insulin and insulin pumps.\u201d2 In addition to insulin therapy, eating the right foods, timing meals and regular exercise can help to regulate and control blood sugar. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) can also be used to monitor blood glucose levels anytime and anywhere. CGMs aid in diabetes management and can be used in tandem to compliment the treatment plan prescribed by healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n\n Continuous Glucose Monitors, like the FreeStyle Libre, which is what Bella and her family use, takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin. The electrode is held in place by an adhesive and sends data to a separate unit or smart device. It allows patients, parents and healthcare providers the ability to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24\/7 basis. <\/p>\n\n Living with diabetes is often compared to riding a roller coaster. Depending on the situation, levels can change throughout the day with many ups and downs. Glucose readings can be affected by a number of normal, everyday activities like eating, exercising and sleeping. The beauty of a Continuous Glucose Monitor is that it reports current glucose readings along with a trend arrow. The trend arrow tells what direction glucose is heading and the speed in which it is moving so patients, parents and teachers know what to do next and provides peace of mind to everyone. <\/p>\n\n CGMs work 24\/7 to keep patients safe and in control \u2013 even while sleeping. Alarms can be set to alert parents, teachers and classmates when glucose is too high or too low with a preset tone, adjustable volume and vibration option. When in danger, this alarm will let everyone know something is wrong. Bella\u2019s preschool classmates and teachers know what the alarm sounds like and have a plan with the school nurse and know exactly what to do when this occurs. Another benefit of the CGMs is that they do not require continual fingersticks throughout the day to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful, especially for children and their parents. <\/p> \n\n There is no doubt, living with Juvenile diabetes takes a huge adjustment for children and parents, but it can be done. Thanks to the freedom that her FreeStyle Libre provides, Bella is a normal and active preschooler who plays with her friends at recess and eats healthy treats at snack time just like the rest of her classmates. Bella knows how to use the FreeStyle Libre and check her own blood glucose levels during the day and has even shown friends how to do the same. Bella has a strong support system, even at a young age and that is the freedom that the FreeStyle Libre can provide. <\/p>\n\n At Quest Health Solutions, our mission is to provide support, educational resources and the tools you need to take control of Juvenile diabetes. We\u2019re one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and currently licensed in 48 states. Our number one priority is the best interests of our patients, and we strive to be a one-stop shop for all CGM needs. We also offer free, CGM Fulfillment Solutions to diabetes care specialists and take great pride in providing the tools, supplies, services and knowledge to educate patients, parents, educators and healthcare professionals. To learn more or to find out how a Continuous Glucose Monitor can be part of the solution, contact us 1-877-888-7050<\/a> Option 3, Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com <\/a> or schedule an appointment today. <\/p>\n\n 1. (2020) Medical News Today. How Does Diabetes Affect Children and Teenagers? Available at Click Here <\/a> accessed on 12 February 2021.<\/p>\n\n 2. (2020). The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Diabetes Basics. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 12 February 2021.<\/p>\n\n 3. (2020) Mayo Clinic. Type 1 Diabetes in Children. Available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 13 February 2021.<\/p>\n\n 4. (2021) Stanford Children\u2019s Health. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 13 February 2021. <\/p>\n\n 5. (2020) Medline Plus. Managing Your Blood Sugar available at Click Here<\/a> accessed on 13 February 2021. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Recently, we met a four-year-old, preschooler named Bella. At first glance, she\u2019s a typical playful, energetic and inquisitive child who is cute as a button. But, over the holidays she became very ill. She lost consciousness and had to be rushed to the hospital where they discovered Bella had Type 1 diabetes, also referred to … <\/p>\n
\n\u2756 From 90 to 180 mg\/dL for children 6 to 12 years old
\n\u2756From 90 to 130 mg\/dL for children 13 to 19 years old<\/p>\n\n
\n\u2756 Less than 190 mg\/dL one to two hours after eating<\/p>\n\n
\n\u2756 From 90 to 180 mg\/dL for children 6 to 12 years old
\n\u2756 From 90 to 150 mg\/dL for children 13 to 19 years old <\/p>\n\n\n\n
JUVENILE DIABETES TREATMENTS<\/h4>\n
CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING SYSTEMS CREATE PEACE OF MIND <\/h4>\n
ADJUSTING TO LIFE WITH JUVENILE DIABETES <\/h4>\n
CREATING YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM<\/h4> \n
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