Pediatric Services
At the Diabetes and Nutrition Center of East Alabama Health, we can help your child or teen learn how to manage their condition and live a normal, healthy life. We can equip them for a bright future by helping them learn how to monitor their blood sugar, administer insulin therapy and make healthy lifestyle choices.
Type 1 Diabetes
In the United States, almost 13,000 children are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes each year. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and used to be known as juvenile diabetes. With Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Only about five percent of people with diabetes have Type 1, and with the help of insulin therapy and other treatments, even young children can learn how to manage their condition and live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise. By the year 2050, one in three people will have diabetes. Children from certain racial and ethnic groups are at higher risk, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and Native American children. In type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin, but it may not make enough, the insulin it makes may not work well, or both. Type 2 diabetes may be prevented - or delayed - for many years. The number of teens diagnosed with pre-diabetes and diabetes is growing. For this age group, being overweight is the number one risk factor.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Children and teens may be able to prevent diabetes or delay its onset for many years. Small changes can make a big difference. Even a small amount of weight loss can help prevent or delay diabetes. The diabetes educators at DANC can help your child or teen with a diet and exercise plan to help them lose weight safely and manage and/or prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Pediatric Services
- Individual diabetes education visits with age-appropriate resources
- Education for parents to help their child manage his or her diabetes
- Individual medical nutrition therapy (MNT) visits with a registered dietitian (MNT is offered to people with diabetes and pre-diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high lipids or fats in the bloodstream), metabolic syndrome, and children/adolescents who need assistance with weight management.)
- Insulin pump instruction
- Inpatient diabetes education and management