How is Diabetes treated?
Type 1
After diagnosis, a child will usually be referred to a local diabetes specialist normally in their local hospital.
Most children with diabetes are cared for by their hospital as opposed to their GP.
Type 1 typically means that the vast majority of islet cells have been destroyed and insufficient or zero insulin can be produced, the only certain method of treating diabetes in children is insulin treatment. i
Fast-acting insulin will generally be administered during the day, and nocturnal levels will be controlled by a slow-acting dose.
Insulin pumps are also common amongst children. Sometimes, in the initial period following diagnosis, small children will only need a very small dose of insulin, but this will unfortunately change as they grow older and larger. Good glucose control is essential in the management of all diabetics’ conditions.
Type 2
Treating type 2 diabetes in children depends entirely on how far their condition has developed. At an early stage, it may be possible to treat the condition with an abrupt lifestyle change incorporating a healthier diet and exercise.
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