Everyday

Birthdays and parties

Birthdays and parties matter to children, and with a bit of planning they work fine.

Before the party

Go through with the child what treats are coming and how to dose insulin
Agree at home on a sensible amount of treats
A school-age child can often measure blood sugar and take insulin themselves
Tell the host adults briefly how to treat a low

Source: Diabetesliitto

Surprise cake at school or daycare

Another child's birthday, Easter, Christmas Eve, the school spring party — the child may face treats without a parent there. One normal piece of cake or one treat works fine, as long as insulin is taken soon after eating. Agree with the child in advance on a plan for surprise treats.

Source: Diabetesliitto

School-age children learn to estimate

A couple of small pieces of cake ≈ 20 g of carbs. Practise at home together at estimating different treats, so the child copes in surprise situations too.

Source: Diabetesliitto

Note for the host family

Hypo treats are in this bag or pouch — they are meant for the child
Signs of a low: paleness, sweating, shaking, confusion, irritability
Correct: 10–15 g of fast-acting carbs (juice, banana, glucose tablet) and wait 15 minutes
The child usually perks up quickly
If the child does not perk up or cannot swallow → call the parents straight away

Source: Diabetesliitto

Sources: diabetes.fi (Diabetesliitto, the Finnish Diabetes Association) and terveyskyla.fi (Diabetestalo / Lastentalo). This app does not replace the individual instructions you receive from your clinic. Insulin doses, correction factors and sick-day rules are always agreed with your own care team.

Send feedback