Children and diabetes

Q	When can children start to self inject insulin?
A	There is no set age at which children should start insulin self-injections. Small children need help from their parents to take injection at least till around 6 years and then under supervision till they are 10 years old. Most children learn that injecting themselves is actually less painful than being injected by their parents. As soon as the child shows the slightest inclination to carry out part or all of the injection procedure they should be encouraged to do so.	Top
Q	My child is under 16 years of age and has diabetes. What special care should we take?
A	This is a very sensitive age to have diabetes because the child is growing and maturing and is on the threshold of adult life where proper attention to studies [intellectual development] and physical development is important. Teen age is associated with several hormonal changes that cause a temporary worsening of the diabetic state and an increase in insulin requirement, also the psychological stress because of peer pressure and overprotective family environment may cause stress and tension. You should therefore see that you provide a warm and comfortable atmosphere at home and avoid overprotection, neglect, and blame. At this age chances are high that your child has Type 1 diabetes which requires insulin treatment and you should ensure that your child injects himself/herself regularly as per the doctors advice and also that the blood glucose is monitored more frequently so that changes in insulin dose can be made. Your doctor will educate you and your child about how to do this. The management of children with diabetes requires the involvement of the whole family so that psychological stress and its catastrophic consequences can be avoided or minimised. The school/college authorities and friends of your child may also play an important role in ensuring proper all-round development of your child and avoidance of accidents like low-blood glucose especially if your child is active in sports and all other normal activities that healthy adolescents like to participate in. These activities should never be discouraged as long as the child shows the willingness to learn how to take proper care of him/herself.	Top
Q	How can we prevent or delay diabetes occurring in our child as both of us have diabetes?
A	As both of you have diabetes the risk to your children is quite high and you may not be able to totally prevent diabetes but you can certainly delay your child from getting diabetes by encouraging healthy living, maintaining a healthy diet, controlling body weight and exercising or playing games. Also make sure that your child does not develop wrong attitudes to diabetes so take care of yourself and set a good example for him/her to follow should he/she get it later.	Top
Q	Is diabetes common among families where the practice of marrying relatives is prevalent?
A	Yes, people from communities where there is a history of marrying among close relatives have a higher chance of developing diabetes.	Top