The arrival of summer involves trips and vacations for adults and children, in addition to other activities that can influence everyone's habits and schedules.In the case of children with diabetes, it is very important to be aware that the insulin doses must be adjusted to the different situations that may arise.
In Spain it is estimated that there are 29,000 children under 15 with diabetes mellitus and 1,100 new cases are diagnosed every year.Summer is a perfect occasion for children to learn to live with their illness and to be more autonomous in terms of the treatment of it.
The pediatric endocrinologist specializing in diabetes at the Sant Joan de Déu hospital in Barcelona and pediatric diabetes advisor to the Diabetes Foundation, Dr. Roque Cardona, has prepared a series of tips to adjust the insulin doses of children in summer.
to eat
* Although they are lighter meals, you have to control hydrates.
During the summer, lighter foods, such as salads, vegetables and fruits are consumed, although the carbohydrates of the different intakes must always be controlled and adjust the insulin doses through the insulin and carbohydrate indices.
* Ice cream require a greater amount of insulin.
Ice creams have less amount of carbohydrates although also more fat, so they can increase blood glucose slowly and progressively.The poles, on the other hand, have a greater amount of sugars and are very fast absorption.If the child consumes ice cream, he will have to increase the insulin dose.
* To cool off, non -sugary drinks.
During the summer you have to maintain a high degree of hydration and make sure that children consume fresh water and non -sugary drinks or 'light'.
When they are at home
* The schedules also change.
Children tend to get up and go to sleep later than normal, which can influence meals and insulin doses.The most advisable thing is to consult the doctor about the adjustments to be made, whether it is an insulin pump treatment and with multiple doses.
* A greater physical exercise, less insulin.
For some children, summer is an increase in physical exercise, so you will have to reduce insulin doses.On the other hand, for others, when the extracurricular activities disappear, they become more sedentary.These changes must be taken into account to adjust the treatments.
* Heat can complicate sugar drops.
Although they do not increase the risk of a decrease in sugar, high temperatures can make recognition of a drop and let it go unnoticed until the sugar level has been dangerously reduced.In addition, heat in a specific injection zone can accelerate insulin absorption speed and make blood glucose fall unexpectedly.
travel
* Summer camps are a good experience.
Children can learn to control their diabetes and normalize their disease in the camps, although the responsible health team must be alert to adjust the insulin doses depending on the food and the activities carried out.
* You always have to wear a complete medication kit.
In addition, it is essential that you carry a medical report to prove that you have diabetes.Some essential devices are the glucose meter, lancetas, insulin pens, insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor.It is also recommended to carry sufficient stocks of insulin, reactive strips, syringes and glucagon.In the event that the child is in insulin pump treatment, it is convenient to carry spare batteries and action insulin devicesfast and delayed.