[alexis]

We've been doing diabetes for about a month. She has 4 older siblings, one 13 mo. older. Hardest thing for me is keeping all the food locked up and keeping the little girls from sharing food. Any suggestions? And do any of you have ways to make the injections easier? She's on Novolog and Lantus. Finally, the people at the clinic say she can have 5 g of carbs without insulin, but 8 grams raises her blood sugar 150 points. Any of you have the same thing and how do you handle it? Hello!

[dano]

Hello and welcome to the Forum!

I have been waiting for someone with more knowledge to answer your questions. I have no area of expertise in T1 diabetes with toddlers. The only way that I know to make injections easier is to find the smallest needles. I really don't know if they make a children's size, but I am guessing not. You may get better information from someone dealing with the same issues, maybe a Diabetes support group. Good luck, I wish you and your child well.

[alexis]

Thanks so much! They actually do make small needles (31 g and 6 mm long) and I practiced giving a shot to myself before I gave one to her, and that helped--it hurt less than the finger stick. It's nice to be in a place where I can meet other people have gone through this challenge and are doing well!

[dano]

The needles that I use are 31g by 5mm and they are the smallest needles that I have found for the injection pens. You are right about the hurting less than the finger prick, that currently is the worst part for me too. I have heard that some company makes a finger prick (drum type) unit that is suppose to be less painful, since the needle is considerably smaller than the standard type. Good luck, I wish you both well.

[Brandon]

My dad knows everything, you should email him chefmichael@chefnextdoor.ca we helps lots of people get diabetes under control. I'm 9 and have had type 1 for 5 yrs now. I'll tell my dad you will email him.

[puffmom470]

I would suggest portioning/measuring everyones food according to serving sizes indicated on packaging and telling the kids that is is healthy for everyone and considerate of your d-child's needs. We stress with my daughter (diagnosed at age 3 a little over 5 years ago) that she can't share her food because the carbs have been counted and insulin has been given. We have tried to empower her with the words to use in case someone asks for something from her lunch. We also tell her that she can eat whatever she wants as long as she takes her insulin for the carbs. However, since she is not in charge of her Diabetes right now, she's not allowed to take food from anyone else unless she checks with an adult on her care team.
Giving injections will get better in time. Make sure that you have the smallest needles...ask the care team about yours and what other options are available if you don't currently have them.
For testing, the OneTouch Delica lancets and the AccuChek Multiclix are the ones my daughter prefers.

[littleprincess]

Hi my daughter was diagnosed just before she turned 2. She's now 3 and 2months. One thing that has helped me is the expression - focus on progress not perfection! I reckon having a toddler with type 1 diabetes is like carrying a very heavy pack - initially it is so heavy you don't feel like you'll ever be strong enough to carry it... But your muscles grow and you get very strong! There is another thing about this pack though - it is notoriously unstable and bursts open with no warning or consideration and no matter what's going on or how inconvenient - everything must stop and the pack restored... It can never be put down or forgotten.
May you be surrounded by good people and remember to be kind to yourself.

[blondiediva09]

There is a new meter that works with a nintendo to encourage kids to prick and stick. I would decorate a special cabinet just for her. Make it special and take her to the store and fill it. Email me and I will find out the name of the meter.

Blondiediva09@gmail.com

Talk to u soon

[jacen]

I myself am a type one diabetic and my son was diagnosed at age 2. I can say one of the most important things to do is to help your child understand. They are never to young to start learning about diabetes. Before you check sugar levels, always ask how your child feels. When you check always tell your child the number and whether it's high or low. This will help them understand when they need to take action by how they feel.

I strongly disagree with the video game as a reward. Instead of being something that they have to do, it becomes something that they do for a reward. I don't think this is beneficial in helping a child understand the disease, it is just a distraction.

The decorated cabinet is a good idea though, or maybe let her pick out the bag you use to carry her supplies.

The target A1C for a 2 yr old is 8.5 and my son was at 8.3 yesterday. Sometimes he asks to poke his own finger when we test him. We let him as much as possible so he can build good habits.

As far as the needles go, it's hard for kids this young since the pens can't dial down small enough. We are constantly having to use half units which you can't do with a pen. For some reason they don't make the regular syringes with the small needles that the pens have. The backs of the arms seem to be the most comfortable place for our son. Although we still have to give his Lantus in his backside. Even after a year he still cries almost every time for his lantus.

What you're going through is very difficult and I pray things get easier for you in time. If I can help in anyway please let me know.

[paris-bear]

To make it not hurt less, what I do I put ice on it first and I have 3mm needles. Hope that helps