Putting It All Together

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to diabetes in children.

Here's a summary of what your child needs to do (with your help) in order to stay healthy:

• Test blood sugar at least twice a day and keep results for reference.

• Take insulin shots in the dose and at the times prescribed by the doctor.

• With the help of the doctor, learn how to adjust insulin doses when circumstances change.

• Eat meals that are approximately the same size each day and try to eat at the same time each day.

• Eat satisfying snacks to help prevent hypoglycemia between meals.

• Get regular exercise.

• Know the signs of hypoglycemia and how to treat it.

• Know when to test for ketones and what to do if levels are high.

• Know how to cope with sick days.

• Develop good general health habits, such as good nutrition, exercise, and no smoking or substance abuse.

• Keep communicating with the doctor and the rest of the diabetes team. They're there to help!