Practical aspects of managing preschool children with type 1 diabetes

Day-to-day variations in diet and physical exercise, large variations in the glucose response to small changes in insulin doses, and high insulin sensitivity are characteristic of preschool children with diabetes. Hence, difficulties in achieving adequate metabolic control and stable glycaemia in preschool children are common. In addition, hypoglycaemic episodes tend to be frequent and severe in this age group. Problems identifying and treating hypoglycaemia present an additional challenge for the diabetes team and for the family caring for the young child with diabetes. Specific glucose targets are provided for this age group: premeal levels of 6-12 mmol l(-1) (110-220 mg dl(-1)) with bedtime levels above 8 mmol l(-1) (140 mg dl(-1)). It is important to note that children who suffer severe hypoglycaemic events at a young age show evidence of subtle cognitive deficits when tested during adolescence. The question of whether or not the years before pubertal onset contribute less towards the development of diabetes-related microvascular complications than do the years starting with the onset of puberty remains controversial. Twice-daily or multiple insulin injections, dietary adjustments and considerations, home blood-glucose monitoring, family education, support groups and 24-h hotline information facilities can help to achieve good metabolic control without severe hypoglycaemia in the preschool child. In general, good metabolic control without severe hypoglycaemia can be achieved using frequent counselling and a caring team approach.