Insulin & Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Type 1 diabetes in children is a chronic condition that requires lifelong insulin. A diabetes care plan is crucial for keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
With proper management, children with type 1 diabetes can lead active and healthy lives. This article covers how insulin injection works in type 1 diabetes and the different ways that insulin can be administered to children.
Key Information About Children with Type 1 Diabetes
- Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a long-term (chronic) condition. It can begin at any age. Type 1 diabetes affects only 5% of diabetics.
- Type 1 diabetes is characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels.
- It is most commonly caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
- To keep blood glucose levels within normal ranges, children with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections.
- Blood glucose levels continue to rise in the absence of insulin, and death occurs.
- Children with type 1 diabetes can live active, healthy lives with insulin administration and other management activities.
What is a Diabetes Care Plan, and How Does It Work?
A diabetes care plan is a set of guidelines that you and your child must follow. The plan's goal is to keep your child's blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
A diabetes care plan consists of four components:
- examining blood sugar levels - With a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
- Taking insulin
- eating a healthy, balanced diet, and counting carbs
- actively involved in regular physical activity
The diabetes healthcare professional will teach you and your child the ins and outs of the plan, as well as how to follow it. There will be a lot to learn at first, but you will quickly become an expert.
What is Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps your body utilize glucose (sugar) for energy. However, in T1D, the body stops producing insulin, and the missing insulin must be replaced through injections or an insulin pump.
What is insulin made of?
Insulin is manufactured in a wide range of ways-
- Human insulin – this is synthetic insulin created in a laboratory to mimic the insulin produced by the body.
- Analogue insulin – the insulin molecule resembles a string of beads. Scientists have been able to change the position of some of these beads, resulting in the creation of genetically engineered insulin known as analogs.
- Animal insulin – Although it is no longer widely used, some people find that insulin derived from animals works best for them. It is usually derived from a cow or a pig.
Type of Insulin
- Children with T1D need insulin for energy
- Insulin schedule is personalized by the care team
- Clear and cloudy insulin types are available
- Cloudy insulin must be rolled before use
- Rapid-acting and long-acting insulin may be needed
- Unique combinations are required for everyone
- Terms to know:
- Onset – The rate at which insulin lowers your blood sugar.
- Peak Time – The time when insulin is at its strongest.
- Duration – The time it takes insulin to lower your blood sugar.
Your doctor will recommend the best insulin or insulins for you based on a number of factors, including:
- What level of activity do you have
- The food you consume
- How well you control your blood sugar levels
- Your age
How long your body takes to absorb insulin and how long it remains active. (This varies from person to person.)
Insulin Classification and Tips for Injection
- Insulin classified based on its duration of action
- Rapid- or short-acting insulin lowers blood glucose during meals
- Intermediate or long-acting insulin helps manage overall needs
- Both aid in controlling blood glucose levels
- Cloudy insulin should be gently rolled before injecting
- Ensure insulin is evenly mixed until it looks milky
- Don't use clear insulin if it appears cloudy
Insulin can be given to children:
- Through injection - Every day, children typically require four or more injections. An insulin needle is extremely small, and a shot is not painful. Your child's care team will teach you how to help him or her cope with injections.
- Using an insulin pump - The pump continuously injects insulin into the body through a small tube placed just beneath the skin.
- Insulin pens - Insulin pens already contain an insulin cartridge.
The healthcare professional will teach you and your child how to use the pump or pen or inject the medication.
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