Practice Resources

Diabetes in Pediatric Populations

Studies show that the incidence of youth with type 1 diabetes will triple by 2050 and those with type 2 diabetes will quadruple. Increasingly, diabetes care and education specialists will play a vital role in the education process for children and families with all types of diabetes and secondary diabetes related to cystic fibrosis, steroid utilization and pancreatectomy. It is critical that the educator understand the unique requirements of working with youth and can tailor treatment approach based on the developmental stages of the child, the family dynamics, and healthy literacy.

We've also created a resource page just for families and young adults with diabetes! Visit DiabetesEducator.org/ChildrenWithDiabetes and share this page with your clients.

Practice Paper

Pediatric Diabetes: The Role of the Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Based on Etiology of the Diagnosis

Pediatric care is a growing area of diabetes management that diabetes care and education specialists must be well versed in for optimal success for the individual and healthcare team. This paper addresses each type of diabetes independently with emphasis on the different age and life stages of the individual.

Key points addressed in this paper:

Detailed information on type 1 and type 2 diagnosis, tips and tools to use through the lifespan and overall treatments
Descriptions of care in each stage of life so that as new challenges arise, solutions can be administered based on age and life stage
Weight loss solutions for youth including the criteria required for bariatric surgery
Medication options available for youth with diabetes and when medications are appropriate to add and adjust
Practical tips for encouraging healthy eating habits for youth with type 2 diabetes

Read the Practice Paper

Resources for Your Practice

Download and print these handouts at your practice.

Tips for parents of a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Also available in Spanish.
Tips for parents of a child diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Also available in Spanish.
Managing Low Blood Sugar in Children

The Lasting Benefits of Diabetes Camp

Camps offer a fun and engaging way for youth to learn how to manage their diabetes in a supervised environment while making new friends. Options range from weekend day camps to week long, overnight experiences. Encourage children and adolescents in your practice to attend a camp or consider volunteering at a camp near you.

Making Friends and Learning Time in Range at Camp

Diabetes camps offer a fun and engaging way for youth to learn how to manage their diabetes and key concepts in diabetes management, like time in range — all while making new friends and lasting memories. Use this video to help a child with diabetes learn about time in range and how it supports their health.

Camping Time is Upon Us!

Diabetes care and education specialist, Carla Cox explains the importance of diabetes camps for kids and teens, and the learning opportunities for diabetes educators.