What is the meaning of diabetes care?
Diabetes mellitus is strongly linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, an understanding of its pathogenesis must guide diabetes treatment. Thus, insulin is required to treat type 1 diabetes patients as insulin secretion is impaired. Treatment of type 2 diabetes patients, on the other hand, is more complicated due to a deficiency in both insulin secretion and action. As a result, treatment will be determined by the stage of the disease and the patient's unique traits.
How Is a Diabetes Care Plan Defined?
A diabetic care plan is a collection of guidelines to be followed by both you and your child. The plan's objective is to assist you in keeping your child's blood glucose within a healthy range.
A diabetes treatment plan is composed of four components:
- monitoring blood glucose levels
- insulin administration
- consuming a nutritious, balanced food while keeping a carbohydrate count
- physical activity regularly
The diabetes care team will educate you and your child on the plan's ins and outs and how to adhere to it. There may be a lot to learn at first, but you will quickly become an expert.
Keeping an Eye on Blood Sugar Levels
Type 1 diabetes treatment also requires daily blood sugar monitoring. There are two methods for accomplishing this:
With the assistance of a blood glucose meter. Most children with type 1 diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels before meals and at night. This is approximately four times daily and perhaps more frequently. The care plan will specify how frequently to check and what to do if the sugar level is abnormally high or low.
With the use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This wearable device continuously monitors blood sugar levels during the day and night. It works by implanting a thread-like sensor beneath the epidermis and securing it in place. Sensors can be left in situ for up to ten days before being replaced. Because a CGM captures frequent blood sugar readings, it can assist you, and your care team in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the team will monitor your child's blood sugar levels through the use of a blood test called glycosylated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c). The results will show your child's average blood glucose level for the preceding two-three months. This information assists the care team in determining how effectively the care plan is working for your kid.
Maintaining an A1c of 7% or below helps people stay healthy and reduces their risk of developing diabetes-related health problems.
Insulin Administration
All children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to allow glucose to enter their cells for energy. Your child's care team will develop an insulin schedule tailored for them.
Children can get insulin:
Through injection. Children typically require four or more injections every day. Insulin needles are pretty tiny, and injections are relatively painless. The care team will help you adjust to injections.
With the use of an insulin pump. The pump constantly injects insulin into the patient via a tiny tube implanted beneath the skin.
The care staff will demonstrate how to inject or use the pump to you and your kid.
Consuming a Healthy Diet
Children with type 1 diabetes must find the perfect balance of food, insulin, and exercise to maintain good blood sugar levels. Therefore, it's beneficial to understand how various foods affect your child's blood sugar levels. The care staff will educate you on proper nutrition and how to:
Calculate the carbohydrate content of meals and snacks. Knowing how many carbs your child consumes and drinks can determine how much insulin they require. This offers your child the freedom to eat as frequently and as much as they want.
Physical Activity regularly
Exercise helps your child's muscles and bones grow more robust, improves their mood, and regulates their blood sugar levels. Indeed, physical activity improves insulin function. Therefore, type 1 diabetic children may and should exercise.
Conclusion
While you are assisting your child in managing type 1 diabetes, the thorough care plan and diabetes care team can assist you. Adhering to the plan and communicating with the care team is the most effective method to keep your child healthy.
