What is Type 1 Diabetes
It may begin with noticing your child wets the bed often. Or maybe your child feels run down and is eating all the time but losing weight, and usually the child is thirsty all of the time. These can all be clues that your child has developed diabetes.
Although it is more common for a diagnosis to occur at a young age, adults can be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) as well. Previously referred to as Juvenile Diabetes, the name gave many people the mistaken idea that kids can “grow out of it.” There is no cure for T1D. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes, it cannot be controlled simply with diet and exercise. Individuals can have a healthier life by keeping tight control of blood sugar numbers, but in the end, their pancreas does not function normally. Over 150 adults and school-aged children in Texarkana have T1D.
What is TD?
T1D or Type 1 Diabetes is a condition where the beta cells in the pancreas produce no, or very little insulin. The body normally produces insulin through the pancreas to counteract the blood glucose, or sugar, produced from food. Without injecting insulin with every meal, through shots or a pump, the body will be overrun with ketones in the blood. This leads to a condition called DKA, or Diabetic Ketoacidosis, which left untreated, can lead to a coma and death. Causes of T1D are not completely clear, although it is generally thought to be caused either through genetics, or when an immune response or a virus attacks the pancreas.
Blood Glucose Levels
Someone with T1D is going to be ideally checking their blood glucose (sugar) levels about 6-7 times per day, which includes before meals, two hours after meals, and at bedtime. Keeping the blood glucose within in a normal range (70-120) is the key to leading a longer, healthier life with T1D. An active lifestyle another way keep blood glucose levels in check.
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, may happen due to illness, stress, a period of inactivity like a long car ride, or if the insulin/carb ratio was not properly calculated. This will lead to extreme thirst, tiredness, and using the bathroom often. It may also be affected by hormones and growth spurts. As the pancreas is part of the endocrine system, children’s hormone levels can throw their blood sugar levels off, even if you are following a strict plan. The “diabetes management plan” will be ever changing, as your child grows, develops, and ages.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, may occur with exercise, or even excitement. Sometimes playing an intense video game can induce a low spell. This can lead to feeling angry, shaky, dizzy, sweating and weak, being confused, and eventually passing out or having a seizure.
Counting Carbs
Pretty soon you will have memorized that one cup of milk has 12 grams of carbohydrates, and that a McDonald’s Hamburger Happy Meal with a water, apples and kid sized fries has 51 “carbs”. You will find out that a meal of pizza takes your child’s body a lot longer to reach normal blood glucose levels than other meals. A Registered Dietician will discuss whether counting carbohydrates or a meal exchange system is right for your child.
Medical Care
When first diagnosed, a short hospital stay will be ordered to get blood glucose levels under control. Afterwards, a pediatric endocrinologist will want to see the child every three months. They will not take the place of their pediatrician. The Endocrinologist will want you to see a certified diabetes educator to get a management plan in place, as well as a yearly check up with an ophthalmologist. Yearly flu shots are very important for people with T1D. The school nurse will be your new best friend.
Local Support Network:
One of a Kind Diabetes Program Texarkana
This group was created by Kayce Welch to raise awareness for T1D and funds for JDRF Research for a Cure. Fundraising events include an annual Walk for Diabetes and the Black and White Soirée. A Facebook support group has been created called Sugar Mommas of Texarkana.
