Educación diabetológica¿Cómo conseguir un buen control glucémico en niños?

Resumen

Diabetes mellitus 1 is a chronic disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells and consequently it presents a deficient secretion of insulin. This leads to a state of sustained hyperglycemia and a low nutritional intake. The classic symptoms of diabetic onset in childhood are polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and polyphagia. Treatment is based on the diabetes education of parents and children, based on three basic pillars: insulin therapy, diet and physical activity. Glycemic control is essential in the prevention of acute and chronic complications. It is necessary to instruct the families in the measurement of capillary blood glucose and in the adjustment of insulin doses based on the values obtained. The diet in affected children is based on a diet with carbohydrate servings. The adjustment of rapid insulin also varies depending on the number of servings to be taken at each meal. Physical activity is essential in these children, although it can cause acute hypoglycemia. For this reason, the administration of an extra ration prior to exercise and a decrease in the supply of exogenous rapid insulin is recommended. Holidays are a time of constant change in the daily activities of the child population. In diabetic children there is an increased risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, so diabetes education also helps to improve glycemic control in these situations.