Most children are able to inject insulin and monitor blood glucose levels independently as they mature. These procedures are ideally performed by a mature, knowledgeable, responsible person who may be a supervising adult. If there is concern as to the accuracy of the insulin administration or monitoring values, these procedures should be performed by an adult. Type 2 diabetes may be reversed through diet and exercise, if caught early in the course, although oral medications taken religiously can help people be functional, productive adults. Management of diabetes is lifelong.
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, amputations, heart disease, and death.