Insulin Pump Therapy for Children

Every year thousands of children are diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes globally. Reasons for developing diabetes in children may be due to genetics, obesity or unknown reasons. Mothers who have had gestational diabetes transfer their diabetes to children. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, diabetes can be managed. 

Managing blood sugar in toddlers and young children is a bit challenging due to their variability in blood glucose levels. These fluctuations result due to inconsistent food intake and high physical activities. Therefore, the availability of a knowledgeable caregiver is necessary for the child to help them out during insulin pump therapy and also manage their food intake. 

That person could be the parents themselves or either a medical professional so that the required baseline and bolus doses can be adjusted and delivered to children.

An insulin pump in children can alter the extreme highs and lows of blood glucose by using a fixed dose of intermediate insulin. However, insulin doesn’t follow the same pattern as in adults as adults have more stable eating and behavioural patterns.