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Type 1 diabetes - day-to-day management

Pens and needles

Diabetes management with syringes or insulin pens

Once a child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, one possible treatment is insulin administration by injection, using a needle or an insulin pen.

Insulin doses must be evaluated for each injection (twice a day minimum) depending on carbohydrate intake, blood glucose, and physical activity before or after administration, mood and any other variables that may influence sugar levels in the blood.

Some children take predetermined insulin doses and eat fixed quantities of carbohydrates during meals and eat snacks at fixed hours. Other people follow treatments that allow them to change food quantities according to their appetite, but must take insulin injections every time they eat. In this case, insulin is calculated based on ratios.

In both cases, diabetics must test their blood glucose (blood test) at least five times a day – to make sure their treatment is working or to make adjustments when needed.

It is essential for people with diabetes to test their blood sugar at least five times a day