Expert Tips What to look for in children with diabetes

Pediatrics: Cheerful and active with diabetes

The number of people suffering from diabetes is increasing. Also more and more children are affected. And not only of type 2, the more common form of diabetes, but also of type 1. Thanks to medical progress, the young patients can live a normal life. Experts explain what to look for.

More and more children with diabetes

According to the German Diabetes Association, more than six million people in Germany suffer from diabetes alone; Among them many minors: As the University Hospital of Freiburg writes in a statement, in this country about 30,000 children and adolescents under 19 years of type 1 diabetes suffer, and the trend is rising. Thanks to medical progress, today's young patients can usually lead a normal life. Experts of the hospital explain what to look for.

More and more children are suffering from diabetes. Thanks to medical progress, the young patients can usually lead a normal life. Experts explain what to look for. (Image: rkris / fotolia.com)

Regularly measure blood sugar

"Unlike before, today we can encourage sick children and adolescents today that their lives, with all the challenges in school, work, sports and travel, can continue almost as well as before", says Professor Dr. med. Ute Spiekerkötter.

"It all starts with a difficult beginning, and the patients first have to learn a lot about their illness," explains the Medical Director of the Department of General Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at the University Hospital of Freiburg.

So the blood sugar must be regularly measured and insulin injected. The nutritional recommendations, however, are the same today as in children of the same age without diabetes.

"If the children and adolescents know their own illness well, they regain their independence. This is very important for adolescents, "says Spiekerkötter.

Overall, new medical developments such as blood sugar sensors and insulin pumps for children have brought great relief for those affected.

Pay attention to the diet

At the top of the tips for everyday life with diabetes is indeed a healthy diet.

But "children with diabetes can eat anything, even sugar," says Professor Dr. Karl Otfried Schwab, Senior Physician at the Department of General Pediatrics of the University Medical Center Freiburg and Head of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology.

However, it is important to check the blood sugar levels exactly and to adjust the amount of insulin. This can be a challenge, especially in unfamiliar surroundings, for example when traveling.

"At Freiburg University Hospital, we like to use a sensor that measures blood sugar continuously in the subcutaneous fatty tissue on the abdomen or arm, especially in children. So you have to prick much less, "explains Schwab.

Raving allowed

In addition, exercise is especially important for affected children. "Promote your child's natural urge to move," recommends the diabetologist to all concerned parents.

During sports, but also when romping around with friends, excess glucose is broken down.

Again, "As long as you keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels, children and adolescents can spend their lives to their heart's content."

What to do with low or high sugar?

"It is important to recognize the warning signs for hypoglycaemia in order to react correctly," says Spiekerkötter. Early warning signs are paleness around the mouth and nose, sweating, rapid pulse and tremors, and restlessness.

"Hypoglycaemia can be quickly eliminated with carbohydrates that go straight into the bloodstream. The easiest way is to eat glucose or drink fruit juice, "advises Spiekerkötter.

High blood sugar causes severe thirst or frequent urination.

"Inform teachers, kindergarten teachers and other caregivers about the illness of your child, so that they can react properly in an emergency," says the pediatrician. (Ad)