Type 1 Diabetes: Your Child's Role in Care

Overview

Children with type 1 diabetes can and should take part in their treatment. As children get older and more experienced with the disease, they can participate more in their treatment.

• Toddlers and preschool-aged children usually can't do tasks for diabetes care, such as giving insulin or checking blood sugar. But as they get older, they typically can help with these tasks.
• Children in elementary school can help with all tasks required for their care. With supervision, many children can test their blood sugar level.
• Children in middle school should be able to test their own blood sugar level. Some children can give insulin shots as long as this happens with supervision.
• Teens should be able to handle their own care with appropriate supervision. Teens may choose to use an insulin pump instead of shots. If they use a pump, they still need supervision from adults.