Pediatric Diabetes Management Q&A

The best diabetes treatment is dependent upon several factors, including the type of diabetes, its underlying cause, the stage of progression, the age of the patient, if any other underlying health problems are present, and the history of diabetes treatments, such as which ones were successful and which ones did not produce results. Although diabetes treatment can vary depending on these factors, diabetes treatment aims to regulate blood sugar by preventing blood sugar spikes (high amount of blood sugar) and drops (very low amounts of blood sugar). Maintaining this balance is extremely important to prevent the development of complications or slow the course of advanced complications. Consumption of foods and drinks containing carbohydrates and sugar over the body’s needs raises blood sugar levels and can lead to dangerous symptoms. People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as other people. Still, it is imperative for diabetic patients, particularly children, to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet and be aware of sugar and carbohydrate intake to control blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which develops gradually over time and lasts for a long time, oftentimes years, and sometimes even longer. Because diabetes does not develop overnight, it can be prevented by being aware of its early warning signs and symptoms and taking the appropriate prophylactic action. The stages include:

– Stage 1: Insulin Resistance — Blood sugar levels seem normal, but only as a result of the pancreas releasing higher amounts of insulin to balance high blood sugar.

– Stage 2: Blood Sugar Levels Rise (Pre-Diabetes) — Due to the high demand for insulin production, the pancreas has difficulty maintaining normal levels of blood sugar, which causes the pancreas to overwork, becoming fatigued. As a result, less insulin is produced and blood sugar levels begin to rise.

– Stage 3: High Blood Sugar Levels (Diabetes) — Insulin output cannot cover the rise in blood sugar levels, causing them to spike more quickly. This is when damage to the pancreas begins.

– Stage 4: Damage To The Pancreas (Diabetes) — As the result of years of the pancreas overworking, there is an overall elevation in blood sugar levels. The pancreas works excessively to lower blood sugar.

– Stage 5: Failed Pancreas (Diabetes) — The pancreas produces little to no insulin and the body needs insulin injections to survive.

Yes, diabetes can go away, and symptoms can ultimately go into remission, without the need to take medications or other forms of treatment. Despite this, there is technically no cure for diabetes, so to overcome the disease, one must implement certain lifestyle changes, such as eating a diet low in carbohydrates and sugars, as well as exercising regularly. With these lifestyle changes and other recommendations from a diabetes specialist, many children can reverse the disease and live a healthy, symptom-free life without the need to take any medications or rely on medical treatments to maintain their quality of life.

Call us today to book an appointment with our pediatric diabetes management specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1680 Lee Road, Winter Park, FL 32789. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Winter Park FL, Goldenrod FL, Lockhart FL, Maitland FL, Casselberry FL, Apopka FL, and Oviedo, FL