Diagnosis
We appreciate the diagnosis of IDDM is a distressing time for you and your child and much of what you are
told today may no be remembered. This information will be given to you again at home. We suggest you jot
down any questions as you think of them and these can be answered at the home visits. Information will be
given to you by a variety of sources at home in hospital. At the beginning you will find that there is a
lot to learn. Try not to panic, there is plenty time and there are lots of people to help.
Home Visits
The majority of children will be well enough to start their treatment, including insulin injections,
at home with close supervision from the diabetes nurse. Usually this is on the same day. This is a
time when there is an opportunity to go over issues that were discussed at diagnosis. It is a good
idea to write down any questions you would like. To begin with home visits for help with the insulin
injections will continue until you are confident about this. Thereafter, the Diabetes Team will continue
to give support and take you through the on-going education programme. The dietitian will also come to
your home to give advice on diabetes and food.
Telephone Support
You will be issued with telephone contact numbers. If you have any worries or concerns do not hesitate
to contact one of the team, alternatively you can phone the paediatric wards who can answer your questions
or put you in touch with one of the team. Contact can also be made during illness, poor control and for
general advice. If your child has an infection it may still be appropriate to contact your GP for treatment.
Obviously most children have the diagnosis made by their GP and they refer them to the hospital.
He/she will be kept up to date by the Diabetes Team.
Food
Having diabetes does not mean that you must follow a strict diet or avoid all the foods that you enjoy.
Following a few sensible guidelines about what your child eats and drinks will mean that you can control
their diabetes and allow them to lead a full and active life.
The dietitian will arrange to visit you to explain about diet. She will also be available when you come
to clinic and can be contacted on her message pager.
Clinic Contact
Clinic attendance is frequent initially but is aimed at becoming 3 to 4 monthly. The clinic is staffed by
Doctors, Diabetes Nurse, Dietitian, Psychologist . The children have their height and weight measured at each
visit. At each visit there will be a fingertip blood test called HbA1c or glycosylated haemoglobin.
This test tells you the average blood glucose level over approximately ten weeks before clinic visit.
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Prescriptions
You will be issued with enough insulin and equipment to last for a few weeks. You will be given a copy of
the prescription that you will require on a regular basis from your GP. Other equipment which is not available
on prescription will be issued by the diabetes nurse. These are listed on the bottom of your prescription list.
School
Your Paediatric Diabetes Nurse will make visits to the Nursery/School at the time of diagnosis, changing school
or to enable your child to attend school trips. An appointment
will be made by the Diabetes Nurse Specialist to meet the appropriate teacher and school staff, including
the school nurse. The school will be given guidelines which you may read, including contact information,
treatment of Hypo's, information on exercise, school trips etc.
Activities
The Dundee and District Diabetic Youngsters Group (DADDY) is run by parents of diabetic children who arrange
outings, other social activities, and fund raising throughout the year. (see info. Sheet on DADDY) It is also a
good idea to join the British Diabetic Association. Information enclosed.
Parent/child contact
Often it is a good idea to have a chat with other parents who have a child with diabetes or your child may want
to meet another child the same age. Ask the diabetes nurse who will put you in touch with a family nearby.
GP/Health Visitor
Both will be informed of your child's diagnosis. The GP will be kept informed of your child's progress.
It is however a good idea to make an appointment to see your GP in the first few weeks to ensure he/she know
what you need on prescription. Your GP who probably referred you to the hospital, will also be interested to
know how you and your child are coping.
Dentist
Your child should continue to visit their own dentist as usual but you should inform him/her that your child
does have diabetes and requires treatment.
Psychologist
The Diabetes team includes a Clinical Psychologist. Children and their families can be referred for many
different reasons connected to living with diabetes.
The "Back Pack"
You will be issued with a back pack of equipment and an initial education folder which you can add to as
time goes on.
The Future
There has been a great deal of progress in the care of people with diabetes over the last 20 years and there
will be further developments in the next decade . Children with diabetes who develop problems with their eyes,
kidneys or feet may be avoided is your diabetes is well. There is evidence that well controlled diabetes helps
to ensure good health in the future.
In addition to your regular clinic appointments a detailed health check will be carried out at around the
ages of 5, 10 and 15 years.
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