How to Create Diabetes Management Plans for Children
August 6, 2024
Does your child have diabetes? If so, you know that some days are easier, and some days are more challenging.
Diabetes is a chronic condition. That means your child will need to manage their symptoms throughout their lives.
The good news is you can help your child learn to plan ahead for any medical emergencies they might experience when away from home. A good place to start? By creating a diabetes management plan.
Keep reading for tips for working with your child’s teachers, school nurse, and sports coaches so they can help your child stay safe and healthy.
How to Create a Diabetes Management Plan
Work with your child’s doctor to create this written plan with details about medications, symptoms to monitor, and what to do in case of emergency.
The Diabetes Management Plan will include:
- Any medications, such as insulin
- Your child’s target blood sugar range
- Any help your child needs checking their blood sugar
- Their specific signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- How to treat low blood sugar
- Plans for meals and snacks on regular and special event days
- Plans to manage physical activity or sport
Signs of Low Blood Sugar
If your child’s blood drops too low, they must raise it immediately.
Blood sugar can drop if your child:
- Has too much insulin in their bloodstream
- Waits too long for a meal or snack
- Eats too little
- Exercises more than normal
Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
- Shakiness
- Nervousness
- Sweating, chills, or clamminess
- Being irritable
- Dizziness
- Having a hard time concentrating
- Hunger
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Weakness or fatigue
- Anger
- Sadness
If your child has low blood sugar several times a week, talk to their doctor. Your child might need a new treatment plan.
Click here to see a sample Diabetes Management Plan.
Get help with asthma, diabetes, and other chronic conditions
Do you have a chronic health issue? Our Condition Management Guidance programs can help you stay healthy.
These programs are for adults with:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Service Coordinators will work with you and your doctor to help you learn about your condition and how to better care for yourself.
Call Member Services to get started:
HEALTHfirst STAR Medicaid
1-888-672-2277
KIDSfirst CHIP/CHIP Perinate
1-888-814-2352
8 am to 5 pm CST
Monday to Friday (except state holidays)
