A diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes is scary, but your child can live a full, active, healthy life! With proper insulin management, diet, and monitoring, children with T1D participate in sports, excel in school, and do everything other children do. This guide helps you understand insulin therapy and daily diabetes care for your bachcha.
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Key facts:
Why insulin is essential:
Many parents feel guilty. Remember:
Four pillars of T1D management:
| Pillar | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Blood sugar monitoring | Check levels regularly |
| Insulin administration | Daily injections or pump |
| Healthy eating | Balanced diet, carb counting |
| Physical activity | Regular exercise |
| Type | Onset | Peak | Duration | When Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid-acting | 15 min | 1 hour | 2-4 hours | Before meals |
| Short-acting | 30 min | 2-3 hours | 3-6 hours | Before meals |
| Intermediate | 2-4 hours | 4-12 hours | 12-18 hours | Twice daily |
| Long-acting | 2 hours | No peak | 24 hours | Once daily (baseline) |
Most children need combination:
Options:
Rotation is crucial:
| Time | Target Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Before meals | 90-130 |
| 2 hours after meals | Less than 180 |
| Bedtime | 100-140 |
When to check:
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) - Below 70:
Symptoms:
What to do:
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) - Above 250:
Symptoms:
What to do:
You don't need "diabetic" food!
Indian diet tips:
Children with T1D CAN and SHOULD exercise!
Call doctor or go to hospital if:
This is hard for the whole family!
A: Modern insulin needles are VERY thin - most children say it doesn't hurt much. Tips: let insulin reach room temperature, use fresh needle each time, rotate sites, use numbing cream if needed, make it routine. Many children manage their own injections by age 8-10. Initial fear is normal and improves with time.
A: Your child can have occasional treats! The key is: count the carbs and give appropriate insulin. Birthday cake at a party? Yes, with proper insulin coverage. Daily mithai? Not recommended for anyone. Focus on balanced diet overall. Don't make your child feel punished - manage, don't ban.
A: Create a diabetes management plan with your doctor. Share with school: emergency contacts, injection schedule, hypoglycemia signs and treatment, foods allowed. Many schools have nurses who can help. Pack supplies in child's bag. Older children can self-inject in school bathroom. Communication with teachers is key.
A: YES, absolutely! Children with T1D become doctors, athletes, engineers - everything! Many famous people have T1D. With good management, your child can: play sports, attend parties, travel, go to college - anything. T1D requires extra planning, not limitations. Focus on what they CAN do!
A: Both work well. Pump advantages: fewer needle pokes, more precise dosing, better for active children. Disadvantages: cost (expensive in India), always attached, site changes needed. Many children do perfectly well with pen injections. Discuss with your endocrinologist what suits your child and family best.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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