DOHA: More than 1,000 kids are treated at the Diabetes Care Programme for Children at Hamad Medical Corporation and educating their families plays an important role in treatment, says an expert.
Family support is an integral part of well-managed diabetes care, said the Head and Senior Consultant, Paediatric Endocrinology/Diabetes Section at Hamad General Hospital, Dr Fawziya Ali Khalaf A Al Khalaf.
“The diagnosis of diabetes in a child may change the entire family dynamic.
“The first step in treating the child is building a relationship with their family, or primary caregivers to ensure they are receptive to receiving the information they will need to care for the child,” says Dr Al Khalaf.
The programme led by Dr Al Khalaf cares for many diabetic children, making it one of the largest centres in the region dedicated to the treatment and study of diabetes in children.
“The first explanation that a parent or caregiver is given is that if they adhere to the treatment plan, the life of a child with diabetes can be normal.
“They are told that diabetes should not keep the child from achieving his or her highest goals. Family support and understanding can make all the difference,” says Dr Al Khalaf.
About 85 percent of diabetic children treated at Hamad General Hospital have type 1 diabetes.
It is usually first diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. It is believed to result from auto-immune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, leading to increased blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when there is a deficiency of insulin, or the body does not respond correctly to insulin, and is caused by factors such as family history and genetics, low activity level, unhealthy diet and excess body weight.
Dr Al Khalaf says it is a balancing act. Parents and caregivers need to understand the severity of their child’s condition, but the multi-disciplinary team must be sensitive and ensure they don’t scare or overwhelm the family with information.
““We often need to highlight that diabetes isn’t a transient disease. Ensuring that family members are educated on appropriate diabetes management is key to developing a management routine.
“Our multi-disciplinary team will teach the parent or caregiver about diabetes. We help families create and use a diabetes management plan.” The Peninsula
