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My Child was just Diagnosed with Diabetes (Type 1), What can I Do?

By Alpro Pharmacy

April 18, 2023

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a disease that leads to high, or elevated blood glucose levels, due to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the insulin-producing beta cells to be diminished, and thus lead to a deficiency of insulin in the body. It frequently develops in childhood, but can also develop in adults. Patients will require insulin treatment to manage this disease.

Dr Chooi Kheng Chiew, a consultant endocrinologist and internal medicine physician at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital

Managing T1DM can be a challenging task for both parents and children dealing with the condition. Today, sugO365 has the privilege of interviewing Dr Chooi, a consultant endocrinologist and internal medicine physician. With years of experience treating patients, Dr. Chooi acknowledges that a diagnosis of T1DM may seem daunting at first, but he believes that with adequate support and guidance, patients can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling life. Presented here are the most commonly raised concerns by the parents with a T1DM child.

Q: No one in my family has ever been diagnosed with diabetes, how did my child get T1DM?​

A: The exact cause of T1DM is still unclear, but it is likely to be due to a complex interplay between genetic predisposition, the immune system and the environment. The risk of T1DM is higher if there are affected family members, but it is by no means a must, as most patients with T1DM do not have a significant family history of the disease. Therefore, please do not feel guilty or blame yourself if your child is diagnosed with this disease.

Q: How often should we check our child’s blood sugar levels? What are the warning signs if it goes too high or too low?

A: Blood sugar, or blood glucose levels should be checked at least before each meal, as this helps to gauge the adequacy of glucose control as well as guide the dose of insulin the patient needs prior to the meal. Blood sugar levels should also be checked if the patient has symptoms suggestive of hypoglycaemia, or low blood glucose levels. Blood sugar levels should also be checked more frequently if patients are unwell

If blood sugar levels go too high, the warning signs are feeling thirsty, increased frequency of urination, lethargy, poor wound healing, dry skin and blurred vision. 

Warning signs of low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycaemia include sweating, palpitations, hunger, headaches, giddiness, shaking or tremors and tiredness.

Q: My child is scared of getting injection, how can we manage their insulin injection?

A: Even many of my adult patients initially had a fear of getting injections, so it is definitely understandable that some children have fears or reservations when it comes to insulin treatment. One way to tackle this is to gently explain to the child why insulin is needed and then demonstrate how the injection is done. I sometimes show the patient by injecting myself to let them know that the needle is not as long as they imagined, and that the injection is not as painful as they thought.

Managing T1DM can pose a significant challenge for both parents and children. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Chooi for sharing valuable insights with us. If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to approach us

In line with this, we are pleased to announce a new initiative for all T1DM warriors

FREE redemption of glucometer bags.

This initiative arose because, in Malaysia, all glucometer bags are only available in BLACK. SugO365 believes that every T1DM warrior can walk out a colourful and unique journey, here comes the design of this colourful glucometer bag with a ONE Limited Edition thumbprint character. It isn’t just a glucometer bag, it’s a symbol of hope and courage that ONE warriors will carry with them everyday. We hope that this little gesture can make their everyday life more colourful and bring a smile to their face – because everyone deserves to be happy and carefree.

If you are also a ONE Warrior, click here to redeem the ONE Limited Edition Glucometer Bag for FREE。

For further queries about the glucometer bag, visit your nearest Alpro Pharmacy or contact us via

Hotline: 019-2298923

Website: SugO365 – Sugar Control for Diabetes

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