When we have a baby, all we want to do is to shield it from all possible harm.
In fact, type 1 diabetes is rare in babies, usually manifesting itself at the infant stage or beyond, however, it can appear, and when it does, it’s very important that parents do not blame themselves. Not just because it is absolutely not the parent’s fault, but also because being wracked with guilt does not help at a time when a parent needs to focus on the needs of the baby in question.
It is perhaps a little easier for existing parents to spot the possible signs of diabetes, as they are more likely to notice excessive diarrhoea for example, having had previous experience with there own children and therefore being able to offer a comparison. For those who have no previous experience of babies this is harder, but any continued sickness or excessive urinating should be a sign to consult with a doctor.
If a child is suffering from vomiting and weight loss and the doctor suspects diabetes, it may be necessary or the baby to be treated in hospital initially, to get the child stable.
Injecting a baby with insulin and taking small amounts of blood to check blood sugar levels can cause a baby an upsetting amount of stress, not to mention stress for the parents, but these are things that the parents have to do to ensure that the child’s blood sugars remain stable.
However, the fact that the child is in an early stage of development is a major bonus at this stage.
This means that a higher than normal blood sugar level is required for continued normal growth, so whilst keeping some control over blood glucose is required, it is not as critical as it is in later life. Studies have shown that the consequences of high blood sugar that lead to further complications in later life, do not start until the child is pre-pubescent, so the baby years can act as a period of grace.
The acceptable blood sugar level for a baby is therefore higher, at 8.3 to 11.1 mmol/l and this is the target figure parents should aim for in a baby.
It can also sometimes appear that the baby has recovered completely from diabetes. Unfortunately this is normal, and referred to as “the grace period”, where the child appears to be regulating the amount of blood sugar normally. It does not last, and when it passes, the child should be examined again by a doctor, so that a treatment plan for use at home can be implemented.
Toby has been treated as type 2 diabetic for over 2 years now, although he ia able to live a near normal life. See his latest website at http://martinbackpackerguitar.org where you will find great deals on theMartin Backpacker guitar Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service