Treatment Options
Type 1 diabetes has only one basic treatment option: replacement insulin therapy. In the past there was a strict regimented way for administering that therapy. As the years go by, however, more and more ways to do that are open to families coping with diabetes.
The Old Way
Not so long ago, children with diabetes were given one or two shots of insulin a day and strict meal plans. Today, while some children's treatments start out this way, in time and with education, every child—with the help of his or her parent or caregiver—can find a more reasonable and normal way to live with diabetes.
If your child has been on a peaking, long-acting insulin like NPH combined with a shorter-acting insulin that forces a strict adherence to eating or not eating at a certain time of day, talk to your medical team about more flexible options. (See Chapter 6 for detailed insulin choices.)
Some medical teams believe it's good to start out with the old way of doing things because it gives parents a buffer in which to learn more about diabetes until they are ready for more complicated (yet freeing) treatments. As long as your team knows you want to learn and work toward that day, they should keep you moving toward it.
Essential
If you think your child is ready for something like an insulin pump and your medical team will not work with you, you may want to consider finding a new team. To be successful in your child's treatments, you'll need a team that is willing to match your style of care.
The old way also means a set meal plan, and this is something children love to move past quickly. It wasn't so long ago that children had to eat an exact, almost prescribed, amount of food at the same time each day. Today, that strict diet has changed.
The New Way
Now, with fast-acting insulin, nonpeaking insulin, and pumps and continuous meters, families can work toward a level of care that allows more freedom, even if it does come with more responsibility. Your best bet to move toward this goal is to let your medical team know, from the start, that you want to work with them to get your family educated and ready for the best, most humane care possible for your child. Let them know you'll be reading a lot and attending a reputable support program. Ask them to work with you toward your goal. In the end, finding the most modern, normal daily routine possible will help your child get through the years of constant care with less stress and more happiness—and that's not a small feat.
