Therefore, experienced diabetes team individualize treatment plans based on needs as well as preferences of the child and family. There are a variety of insulin regimens. Many children will get insulin injections before breakfast and before dinner. However, some children may need to take insulin more frequently and still others may use an insulin pump . Just as with insulin regimens, there are several methods of meal planning.
New information allows diabetes teams to be much more liberal with food.
Carbohydrate Counting coupled with recommendations in the Food Guide Pyramid seems to be most popular, although some programs still use the Exchange System. This is done using a blood glucose meter that the child must bring to school. Most children can perform blood sugar checks by themselves but may need a private place to do so. Some children may need supervision to see that the procedure is done properly and results are recorded accurately. It is helpful for the child to have a meter at school so the blood can be checked during treatment for a low blood sugar reaction.