| What parents should know about children and diabetes |
The signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children can develop quickly, over a period of weeks.
According to SMDC endocrinologist Michael Slag, MD, parents should be aware of these symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination: Your child may drink — and urinate — more than usual. A young child who has been dry may start wetting the bed.
- Weight loss: Despite eating more than usual to relieve hunger, your child may lose weight — sometimes rapidly.
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- Fatigue: Your child may become tired and lethargic.
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Michael Slag, MD
Endocrinologist |
Doctors can determine if a child has diabetes by running a blood or urine test to determine the blood glucose level.
Treating diabetes in children can be much more challenging than treating it in adults.
“There are some special concerns when it comes to treating children with diabetes,” said Dr. Slag. “Children are never the same one day to the next. They grow by leaps and bounds in a few weeks and then plateau. They are active one day and the next all they want to do is sit quietly and read a book. Every one of a child’s changes affects his or her metabolism. We need to take that all into account when we treat children.”
Parents can help their diabetic children by supporting them, creating a healthy environment and learning about the disease.
“Diabetes can be overwhelming and we want people to know that we are here to help them through it all,” said Dr. Slag. “We meet with families to teach them about the disease in small steps. We don’t want to overwhelm them and we want them to know the feelings they are having are normal.
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We want them to understand that they will face stresses as a family and what those are," he continued. "We also want them to know that we are available 24/7 to help them work through any questions or problems they are having. And that there is support from others who have been through it before. We try to put families together to help one another. We also work with school nurses and teachers who will support the child when the parent isn’t there.”
According to Dr. Slag, there is a tremendous amount of exciting research going on to find a cure for diabetes.
“We participate with the University of Minnesota on genetic studies,” said Dr. Slag. “And we watch all the newest research like a hawk for anything that can help our patients.”