Pediatric Diabetes
At Dr. Kunal Mahajan Children’s Hospital, we provide specialized services for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, resulting from either insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or ineffective use of insulin by the body (Type 2 diabetes). Our dedicated team of pediatric endocrinologists, diabetes educators, nutritionists, and nurses is committed to providing comprehensive care to children with diabetes and their families.
Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis of pediatric diabetes is crucial for initiating timely treatment and preventing complications. Our experienced pediatric endocrinologists conduct thorough evaluations to assess children’s symptoms, medical history, family history, and risk factors for diabetes. Diagnostic tests, such as blood glucose tests, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tests, and oral glucose tolerance tests, may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and severity of diabetes. We work closely with families to provide education and support throughout the diagnostic process.
Management: Once a diagnosis of pediatric diabetes is confirmed, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to develop personalized management plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and circumstances. Treatment for pediatric diabetes focuses on achieving and maintaining optimal blood sugar control while promoting overall health and well-being. Our comprehensive approach to diabetes management may include:
Insulin Therapy: Insulin therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for Type 1 diabetes and may be necessary for children with Type 2 diabetes who are unable to control blood sugar levels with lifestyle modifications alone. Our diabetes educators teach children and their families how to administer insulin injections or use insulin pumps effectively. We provide guidance on insulin dosing, timing, and adjustment to help children achieve target blood glucose levels while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
Blood Glucose Monitoring: Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential for managing pediatric diabetes and adjusting treatment as needed. Our team educates families on how to monitor blood sugar levels at home using blood glucose meters or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. We provide guidance on interpreting blood glucose readings, recognizing patterns, and making appropriate adjustments to insulin doses or meal plans based on the results.
Nutrition Counseling: Nutrition plays a crucial role in diabetes management, influencing blood sugar levels, weight management, and overall health. Our registered dietitians work with children and their families to develop personalized meal plans that promote balanced nutrition, portion control, and carbohydrate counting. We provide guidance on healthy eating habits, food choices, meal timing, and managing special occasions while maintaining blood sugar control.
Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is important for managing blood sugar levels, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of diabetes complications. Our team encourages children with diabetes to engage in age-appropriate physical activities and exercise routines that they enjoy. We provide guidance on incorporating physical activity into daily routines, monitoring blood sugar levels during exercise, and preventing exercise-related complications.
Education and Support: We recognize the challenges and lifestyle adjustments that come with managing pediatric diabetes. Our hospital offers comprehensive education and support services to empower children and their families to effectively manage diabetes and live healthy, active lives. We provide diabetes education classes, support groups, and one-on-one counseling sessions to address topics such as diabetes self-care, insulin administration, blood glucose monitoring, meal planning, and coping strategies for managing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with diabetes.
Complication Prevention: Preventing diabetes-related complications is a key focus of our care. Our team emphasizes the importance of regular medical check-ups, diabetes screenings, and preventive care measures to monitor for potential complications and intervene early if needed. We provide guidance on managing risk factors for complications, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and kidney disease, and collaborate with other specialists as needed to optimize children’s overall health and well-being.
