Contents:
- Medical Video: Coping with a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
- What is wrong with my child's body?
- Why not an insulin pill?
- Live with diabetes
Medical Video: Coping with a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
If you are like most other parents who have just heard that your child has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you definitely feel in shock. There is only about 10% chance of finding a family history that might have type 1 diabetes. There are many things you can learn to know what can cause, prevent, and cure type 1 diabetes.
Meanwhile, you must work with family members to help your child live a long and healthy life. And yes, that is a realistic goal. Research studies show that people with type 1 diabetes who aim to keep their blood glucose levels stable, can significantly reduce the possibility of life-threatening complications caused by diabetes.
What is wrong with my child's body?
The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes occurs because the level of glucose (sugar) in your child's blood is above normal. This shows that the metabolic system checks and balance in the body does not work, and that insulin cannot be produced. Insulin is an important substance to carry glucose from the food we eat, then turn it into body cells where it is needed by the body to function properly. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream.
Your child may still be producing a small amount of insulin now, but in type 1 diabetes, the pancreas loses all ability to produce insulin islet cells. The islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin gradually all break down, a process where we cannot do anything at this point. An insulin injection or an insulin pump will be needed later in the day to survive.
Why not an insulin pill?
Insulin cannot be given by drinking because protein will be digested, instead of being drained into the bloodstream where insulin is needed. Almost all commercially available insulin on the market today has been genetically engineered as human insulin. Insulin is available in a variety of different forms, according to how fast the effect works and how long it will continue to work in the body.
Live with diabetes
All things that seem extraordinary now will eventually become a routine. One of the obstacles you encounter is when you have to inject your child with a needle. Now there are new devices and some developments that make the process of testing blood glucose levels and injections of insulin painless, easier and more precise when done.
To be able to live successfully with people with diabetes is basically to learn how to become a pancreas. You must learn how to monitor blood glucose levels and regulate insulin levels as needed. So you must consider several factors:
- Blood glucose levels must be measured several times a day
- Schedule and content of your food (specifically, pay attention to the type and amount of carbohydrates in food)
- The amount of physical activity that requires more glucose and thus more insulin is produced
- Get a dose of insulin by injection or pump insulin into the body several times a day based on need
Your doctor and pharmacist will be your primary friend and helper. But you can also find information from many sources.
