Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Ongoing care and support for your child and your family
If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’ll want to be a vigilant guardian of their health. Encouraging healthy eating and exercise habits, along with their treatments, helps ensure your child manages their diabetes while participating in all of the activities they enjoy. We will be here to help your family, every step of the way.
What is the risk?
Diabetes occurs when the body can’t make enough insulin to turn sugars into the energy that cells need. High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to serious complications such as heart or kidney disease.
Having a parent with type 2 diabetes can put a child at high risk for also getting the disease, but at least one other factor is also involved. Many times, obesity (being overweight) plays a major role. Typically, type 2 diabetes is diagnosed in adults, but more diagnoses are being found in children.
Type 2 diabetes is chronic, which means it does not go away; however, with proper care safe blood sugar levels can be maintained and serious health conditions can be avoided.
Testing and symptoms
Your child’s doctor may request specific blood and urine tests if your child has been experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- Extreme thirst
- Weight loss despite always feeling hungry
- Blurred vision
- Tiredness
- Infections that don’t heal
- Dry, itchy skin
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Nausea and vomiting that doesn’t go away
The best plan for your child
Treatment for type 2 diabetes should begin immediately after diagnosis and includes insulin management (using medicine by mouth or injection) and a personalized plan for diet and exercise.
At Randall, we provide comprehensive clinical and educational services for your child and your family. Our diabetes education program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for its excellent curriculum, service and access.
Our team of registered dietitians and nurses, as well as an onsite social worker, offer assistance with diabetes management, nutrition and counseling. Together, we can help you and your child to understand, manage and tackle the challenges of diabetes with the goal of enjoying life to the fullest.
Additional services
- Classes that focus on diabetes, obesity and insulin resistance
- A specialized endocrinology nurse who helps with any injections or medication needs
- Telephone Triage – physicians are available by phone 24/7 to answer your questions
- Healthy living and weight management classes as needed
- Educational classes to help you and your family thrive, including Diabetes Burnout for Teens.
Get Connected & Stay Informed
MyHealth gives you access to your child's medical records. View test results, diagnoses, medications, follow-up instructions, make an appointment and more.
