Juvenile diabetes mellitus.
Juvenile diabetes, although less common than the adult form, presents unique problems which make management more difficult. The basic principles of diet, insulin and exercise apply but the application must be individualized. A constant diet is the aim but with variations in growth and activity this is more difficult to achieve. A child's caloric intake is often greater than anticipated. Children are insulin sensitive and the amounts required to control diabetes and treat acidosis are much less than for adults. Hypoglycemic reactions are disturbing and may mimic or cause behavior problems. The rebound phenomena is common particularly when post prandial blood sugars are used to adjust insulin dose. Thorough understanding by the parents as well as acceptance of the condition are the keys to good control.
Ehrlich
R M
RM