National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month. This is a time of year where communities across the United States come together to bring awareness to diabetes. 2020 is focused on taking care of the youth who have this disease. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions for children across the country. This disease affects over 193,000 young people under the age of 20. Until recent years, type 1 was the common type of diabetes in children and teens. It used to be viewed as juvenile diabetes. When you have type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make insulin, a hormone that helps your body get sugar (glucose) into your cells to give them energy. However, type 2diabetes diagnosis is being seen in younger people as well. This used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but it has now become more common in young people, due to an increase in childhood obesity. Type 2 diabetes causes the body to not make or use its insulin well.  There are various ways to help lower the risk of kids developing type 2 diabetes:

No matter the kid’s age, these individuals need support with their diabetes care. Each child and teen should have a diabetes management plan developed with the help of their primary care provider and parents or guardian. The plan should be adjusted as needed. When considering a self-care plan some good tips are:

Resources:

• Physical activity  
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limit screen time
• Eat smaller portions and eat healthy foods

• Stay prepared for emergencies. Have a “go-kit” that includes medical supplies, emergency/ medical contact list, and a medication list.
• Monitor blood sugar levels
• Practice risk-reduction behaviors
• Complying with medications
• Look for mental health resources

Self-Care with Diabetes

Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed

Child and Adolescent Mental Health