Children are most often affected between the ages of 11 and 14. Insulin drives glucose, or blood sugar, into body cells so they can do their job. The foods we eat become glucose. When the body stops making enough insulin, glucose builds up in the blood instead of getting into the body cells. The symptoms of low blood sugar can come on quickly and must be treated promptly by eating something sweet to raise the blood sugar level to normal.
Medical care is vital to children with diabetes.
Daily shots of insulin are needed to maintain normal body functions. Parents and the child can learn how and when to give the shots. It is important to keep the level of blood glucose as near normal as possible. This is done by eating healthy foods, exercising, and daily monitoring of the child s blood and urine sugar levels with self-testing kits. Parents can help their child control diabetes, rather than letting the disease control the child.