There are two goals of treatment for diabetes. One is to establish and keep up blood sugar levels that are as close to normal as possible so your child can stay healthy and avoid complications in the future. The second is for the child to adjust well to living with diabetes in order to live a long, healthy, and productive life.
Treatment of type 1 diabetes
Around the world, the basic treatment of type 1 diabetes is the same. It consists of:
- taking insulin injections several times a day, or using a pump that delivers a steady supply of insulin with extra doses at mealtimes
- monitoring blood sugar several times a day
- following a meal plan
- making up for extra activity with extra food, or sometimes less insulin
Within this basic framework, different health care teams will work with your family to develop a plan that fits in with your child’s specific needs and your family’s routines at home. You will be asked to bring your child in to the clinic for regular check-ups every three months. During these clinic visits, you can discuss any concerns you have with the diabetes care team.
All these treatment elements are discussed in detail in this section. Click the links on the left to learn more.
Treatment of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is managed by a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, weight loss, and for many young people, medication. For almost everyone, treatment involves a major lifestyle change.
Teens will have the best possible chance of success if the entire family learns about type 2 diabetes and adopts the same healthy lifestyle. This will be a source of great support to your teen. Also, it will reduce the risk that other family members will develop diabetes, since they are at increased risk of the disease.
When diet and exercise alone do not control the blood sugar level then the doctor may prescribe pills that help the body's insulin work better. Some young people may also require insulin injections. Pills and insulin do not replace the need to pay close attention to healthy eating, regular exercise, and aiming for and achieving a healthy weight. These are the cornerstones of the treatment of type 2 diabetes.