Know the Signs of Diabetes
in Children
Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. Diabetes is a serious autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin. The signs of diabetes in young children are not always easily noticed. Due to their lack of verbal abilities in babies, infants, and toddlers, it can be especially difficult for very young children to let their parents know that something isn’t right. As children get older, many of the signs and symptoms can be can be subtle and often get overlooked. Familiarize yourself with these warning signs of diabetes. Take them seriously. Sometimes the symptoms are very obvious and sometimes they are not. Early detection and knowledge of the warning signs are your greatest weapon against the disease! When in doubt, see a healthcare professional who can provide you with diagnostic tests and treatment if necessary.
Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children usually develop quickly, and may include:
Increased or excessive thirst
Frequent urination, possibly bed-wetting in a toilet-trained child
Diaper rash does not respond to treatment such as more frequent diaper changes or the use of a barrier cream.
Extreme hunger
Unintentional weight loss
Fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy
Irritability or behavior changes
Fruity-smelling breath
High amounts of sugar in the blood and/or urine (a sweet, fruity odor may be present in urine, on one’s breath/body )
Sudden vision changes
Nausea and/or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Rapid, hard breathing (heavy, labored)
Stupor, unconsciousness
According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors include:
Risk factors for type 1 diabetes in children include:
Family history - Anyone with a parent or siblings with type 1 diabetes has a slightly increased risk of developing the condition.
Genetics - Certain genes indicate an increased risk of type 1 diabetes.
Race - In the United States, type 1 diabetes is more common among white children of non-Hispanic descent than among children of other races.
Certain viruses - Exposure to various viruses may trigger the autoimmune destruction of the islet cells.
Although diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires consistent care and management. There is support to assist you in making sure your child remains healthy throughout life. Turn to your healthcare provider if you ever have questions about your toddler’s health or diabetes treatment plan.
It is important to note that these symptoms can be related to illness and are not always associated with diabetes., including the symptoms of the flu. There should be no fever with diabetes. This is a differentiating factor between diabetes and the flu. Please see a healthcare professional who can provide you with diagnostic tests and treatment.
Additional Resource: JDRF Diabetes Basics
Do you know about summer camp for children with diabetes?
Every summer, ADA summer camps help thousands of children living with diabetes to:
Make lifelong memories at a camp that’s prepared to support their unique care needs
Rise to the challenge of achieving diabetes “firsts” on their own in a medically safe environment
Forge new friendships and share adventures with peers who can relate to their experiences
Build confidence to thrive at camp and beyond as we celebrate every milestone and how far they’ve come
Would you like to know more info? If so click below.
Rufus the Bear
Have you heard about Rufus the Bear?
With the Rufus the Bear and the app, children can help Rufus manage his diabetes and gain hands-on practice with diabetes management essentials like counting carbs, monitoring blood sugar, and dosing with insulin. In the app, users will get to utilize Rufus's virtual diabetes toolkit, which includes a glucometer, insulin pen, pump, and a CGM, guiding them to make healthy choices in the kitchen to learn about the impact of carbs and how to identify them.
Rufus is available through the JDRF store at https://shop.jdrf.org/product/JDRF-Rufus
Do you wonder how effective trained dogs are at alerting their owners to changes in blood glycemic levels? An article published by the National Institute of Medicine of a study found that optimal performance of alert dogs depended on the initial and ongoing training as well as on the careful selection of the dog for the condition in which they will be working. The study also found that the Individual characteristics of the dog, the partnership, and the household were significantly associated with performance. Click below to read the full article.
Oh My, Ticks! – Natural Alternatives For Prevention
Oh My, Ticks! – Natural Alternatives For Prevention
Ticks on dogs are a common concern among pet owners, especially during the warmer months. These parasitic arachnids can easily latch onto a dog's skin as they move through tall grass or wooded areas. It is important to regularly check your dog for ticks, paying close attention to areas such as the ears, neck, and between the toes where ticks are known to hide.
Service Dog Laws per State
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) governs the use of service animals federally however each state may have their own set of rules and laws in addition to these. It would be beneficial to look into the state where you live or will be traveling and be aware of the laws. The Service Dogs website offers links to each state. Laws per State
Overview of Laws Parents of Diabetic Children Should Know
Overview of Laws that every parent of a child with diabetes should be familiar with include:
ADA
IEP
IDEA
504
FAPE
What is a 504 plan?
The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a student who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary school receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment. Students can qualify for a 504 plan if they have physical or mental impairments/disability that affects or limits any of their abilities.
DOT Service Dog Travel Form
Airlines may deny transport to a service dog if the airline requires completed DOT service animal forms and the service animal user does not provide the airline this form.
American with Disabilities Act
Knowledge is power. Be aware of the laws that protect you and your service dog. The ADA website offers information on how a service animal is defined, laws regarding service animals in places of business, and frequently asked questions. This is a wonderful source of information that can provide you with education and confidence when out in public with your service dog.