Pediatric Diabetes

Common Symptoms of Diabetes Type I

Frequent urination.
Increased thirst due to lost water.
Frequent hunger - increased appetite due to the extra energy used when sugar can't get into the cells.
Excessive changes in behavior. These changes can result from lack of sleep due to the person having to get up frequently in the night to urinate.
Check with your doctor if you or your child demonstrates these symptoms.

Being a kid is hard work. Learning "hard" math and cursive and trying to look cool in those roller blades is tough enough without having to live with a chronic illness.

Yet, kids suffering from chronic illness can live healthy, normal lives. Our physicians and staff can help you manage the illness so it doesn't hinder your child in school, sports or any other part of his or her daily life.

Maintaining a balance between diet, insulin and exercise is the key for kids with Type I diabetes to lead a normal, active life. Diabetes is a chronic illness that must be treated throughout a person's lifetime, but can be successfully managed with help from the pediatric endocrinologist and staff at the Warren Clinic Diabetes Center.

The staff will help control your child's insulin level so that the blood sugar level doesn't dip too low. They will also help alter diet and exercise habits. And most importantly, they can provide you with as much information and resources as you need.

When a child is first diagnosed with diabetes, the child and parents/caregivers are put through a rigorous training program – helping them understand the importance of testing, dietary adjustment that should be made, how to manage sports and time with friends. In addition, education specialists at the diabetes center will continue to monitor and answer questions as they arise.

You can't prevent diabetes from happening to your child. But you can detect it early and learn to manage it before it gets serious. The Children's Hospital at Saint Francis participates in national research studies and other programs to help diagnose these illnesses early in children.