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November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the world team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year’s focus is on taking care of children and teenagers who have diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in school-age youth in the South Africa, affecting about thousands of youngsters under 20 years old. Regardless of their age, sometimes youth who have diabetes need support with their diabetes care. That is why it’s important to help your child or teen develop a plan to manage diabetes, and work with their health care team to adjust the diabetes self-care plan as needed. Here are some tips to consider for your child’s diabetes self-care plan.
Manage Blood Glucose Levels
Make sure your child or teen takes their medicines as prescribed, at the right time, and the right dose—even when they feel good or have reached their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Follow a healthy eating plan – particularly if your child is taking insulin. And make sure they get enough sleep and aim for regular physical activity. Children and teens with Type 1 Diabetes should also check their blood glucose levels before, during, or after physical activity.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Your basic diabetes preparedness kit should always contain medical supplies and equipment, emergency and health care professional contact lists such as Diabetes Care Centurion, and a medication list, including doses and dosing schedules, and an allergy list.
During the current pandemic, it’s also a good idea to include face masks, hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes to your emergency kit.
Monitor for Complications
Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk for heart disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and other related health problems. The team at Diabetes Care Centurion can help you develop a plan to monitor for any problems.
Seek Mental Health Support
Children and teens may not be used to talking about feeling anxious or alone about their diabetes. The Diabetes Care Centurion team includes a Life Coach who can provide helpful advice for dealing with the adjusted lifestyle and the emotions that go along with the diagnosis.
For help and information, contact our team at info@diabetescare.co.za or call 012 664 7831
