DOHA: Families and healthcare facilities play an important role in managing diabetes in children, says an expert.
The environment at home can make a world of difference in the management of a child’s diabetes, says Dr Fawziya Ali Al Khalaf, Head and Senior Consultant of the Paediatric Endocrinology/Diabetes section at Hamad General Hospital.
HMC’s care plan for managing diabetes in children is designed to meet their needs as they grow. Dr Al Khalaf says that as a child ages HMC’s multi-disciplinary care team begins working directly with him or her, teaching the proper ways to manage their care.
“When a child reaches the age of seven we start incorporating him or her into the management of their care. Their parents are still involved, as a child cannot be fully responsible, but we start helping the child to understand his or her condition,” says Dr Al Khalaf.
HMC takes a holistic approach to the management of the diabetic child’s care, including incorporating their school. When a child is diagnosed with diabetes HMC contacts the nurse at his or her school and provides the child’s diabetes treatment plan. Dr Al Khalaf says HMC’s multi-disciplinary care team also works with both the school nurse and the child’s parents to educate about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
“We encourage parents to send their child to school with a healthy breakfast and lunch. Some schools offer many foods, for example sweets and pastries, that aren’t appropriate for any child, and in particular a diabetic child, so we encourage parents to provide healthier options. We also work with school nurses to ensure they understand how to manage emergency situations such as low or high blood sugar and how to adjust the child’s medication based on what they have eaten,” says Dr Al Khalaf.
Dr Al Khalaf says HMC also assists parents and caregivers with understanding the importance of ensuring the child doesn’t feel different than his or her friends. She says many parents worry during holidays and celebrations like Eid and birthdays due to the presence of candy, cake and other sweets.
“It is normal for children to want to have a piece of cake and candy. We advise parents to help their diabetic child to feel as normal as possible and allow small portions of sweets during special occasions. Of course medications must be adjusted accordingly. You need to support your child and guide him, but being overcautious is not helpful; moderation is the best attitude,” says Dr Al Khalaf.
The Peninsula
