Management of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents

Indian J Pediatr. 2014 Feb;81(2):170-7. doi: 10.1007/s12098-013-1196-3. Epub 2013 Oct 11.

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is estimated to have a prevalence of approximately 1 in 5000 among Indian children. Living with T1D is a challenge for the child and the family because of the significant burden of treatment in terms of regular injections and monitoring of blood sugar, and risk of acute and long term complications that this condition imposes. Optimal glycemic control in T1D requires a meticulous balance of insulin therapy with diet and exercise. With the earlier insulin regimens this required lot of discipline in the eating and activity pattern, which led to significant curtailment of the lifestyle. Now, with availability of better insulins, delivery and monitoring devices, greater flexibility in lifestyle has become possible. The ultimate breakthrough in terms of therapy of T1D shall be easy availability of accurate and affordable closed loop systems, and 'cure' through islet or stem cell transplant. A review of the ambulatory management of T1D in children and adolescents and the upcoming therapeutic advances is being presented in this paper.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Child
  • Counseling
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / surgery
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / therapy
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin / administration & dosage
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation
  • Patient Education as Topic

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin