As the new school year begins in Guwahati, parents of children with Type 1 diabetes face unique challenges ensuring their kids’ health and safety. Type 1 diabetes requires constant blood sugar monitoring due to the body’s inability to produce insulin.
Dr. Abhamoni Baro, Consultant Endocrinologist & Diabetes Specialist, Pratiksha Hospitals, Guwahati, said, “Incorporating a regular routine and physical activity into the daily routine of a child with Type 1 diabetes is important for their health and well-being. For parents, integrating structured measures such as diet, exercise and continuous monitoring can positively impact their child’s blood sugar control. It also enhances their insulin sensitivity and support a healthier lifestyle. Helping a child navigate their diabetes journey can be made hassle-free by embracing advancements that help simplify diabetes management. For instance, parents can utilize continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, measuring glucose levels all day and night. These offer real-time data on how blood sugar levels respond to factors like meals, physical activity, and insulin doses.”
CGM devices, which provide real-time glucose readings and alerts, have transformed diabetes management, offering parents peace of mind by allowing remote monitoring through smartphone apps.
Dr. Kenneth Lee, Director, Medical Affairs, Diabetes Division, Abbott, said, “It is difficult to manage diabetes, especially for a child. In cases like these, parents play a crucial role in caring for them. For the ease of managing diabetes and enabling families to cope, technology-driven progress such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can provide immense benefits. Unlike older CGM blinded technologies, which only provided retrospective data, advanced CGMs offer real-time, actionable insights that allow parents and children to respond to fluctuations immediately. With seamless smartphone integration, parents can remotely track their child’s glucose trends and receive alerts about unexpected highs or lows, helping them make timely adjustments. This level of data-driven feedback ensures better glucose management and a smoother school experience.”
Parents are advised to regularly check blood sugar before school, encourage enjoyable physical activities like cricket or dancing, teach stress management, keep diabetes journals, and promote balanced meal planning. In Guwahati, parents find it increasingly convenient to access diabetes care supplies and nutritional options tailored for children managing diabetes, reflecting growing awareness and support within the community. With collaborative efforts between parents, schools, and healthcare providers, children with diabetes in Guwahati can look forward to safer and healthier school experiences.