Diabetes changes over time, so your child's care team will adapt your child's treatment plan as needed.
Metformin
Metformin lowers the amount of sugar released by the liver into the bloodstream. It increases the effect of insulin, which helps lower blood sugar. Medicine alone won’t control type 2 diabetes; your child will still need to manage their diet and exercise and control their weight.
Insulin
Daily insulin injections may be necessary to manage daily blood sugar levels. Our diabetes educators will teach you and your child how to test blood sugar and give injections. They’re knowledgeable about the latest glucose monitoring and insulin delivery devices -- such as pens, injections, and pumps -- and can help you and your child find what’s right for your circumstances. Our social workers can provide information about your child’s condition and care needs to their teachers, sports coaches, and others.
Diet and Exercise
Eating right to maintain healthy weight and blood sugar levels is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. Physical activity is also an essential part of your child’s treatment plan. Duke Children’s diabetes educators and dietitians can teach you and your family about nutrition, menu planning, and ways to adopt a healthy diet. In addition, weight-control and exercise specialists can offer your child expert guidance through the Duke Healthy Lifestyles program.
Education and Support
Twice each month, our diabetes educators lead comprehensive diabetes management classes that focus on all aspects of living with diabetes -- including what diabetes is, what you can eat, how to avoid complications, and exercise and diabetes. Classes for children over 16 cover advanced topics, such as how to transition into living with diabetes as an adult.
Ongoing Care
Regular checkups ensure your child is managing the physical and psychological aspects of living with diabetes. Blood sugar levels are monitored using urine and blood tests, including a blood test (A1C or glycated hemoglobin test) that measures blood sugar levels over the previous three months. Your pediatric endocrinologist will evaluate your child’s kidney, thyroid, and liver function, as well as their blood pressure and physical growth. They will also refer your child to a pediatric eye doctor for regular eye exams. These checkups help prevent common diabetes complications, such as vision problems.
