Diabetic Children – How to Manage Diabetes in Children
Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas produces insufficient amounts of or no insulin that effects millions of people world wide. There are two main types of diabetes and the disease can affect people at any stage of life. When a very young child is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be overwhelming, stressful and trouble for some parents. They are usually worried about how they can managing their child’s diabetes without letting it get in the way of their lives. It is important to to prepare healthy foods and medical care may be taken in order to help your child keep insulin levels in check. Children with diabetes need to follow a special diet, but the diet should not be limiting.
Below are some tips that you can do to manage diabetes in children:
1. Balance diet
Part of managing diabetic child includes eating the proper foods and the right amount of servings in order to give the correct amount of insulin. They need a balanced diet of carbohydrate like pasta, bread, rice and starch vegetable.
Fruit and vegetables should be a major part of the menu plan for a diabetic child. Limit the amount of high-fat and high-sugar snacks such as candy, chips, cookies, ice cream and other unhealthy snacks. Encourage your child to eat healthy snacks such as peanut butter, oatmeal, cheese, low-fat yogurt, fruit, or milk and cereal. Your child also needs protein in their diet to help improve immune system function, proper growth and repair of cells. Good sources of protein include milk, lean meat, eggs, soy beans, peanuts, yogurt or cheese. Read the nutrition food label, which gives information on serving size, total count of grams of protein, carbohydrates, calories, fat, and sodium content.
2. Exercise
Make exercise become a regular part of your child’s life. Exercise can help to control blood sugar level, increase energy levels and reduce risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications. Parents can manage a diabetic child by encouraging participation in regular exercise. In order to control blood sugar level and avoid potential problems, monitor blood sugar during and after physical activity. Consult with your child’s diabetes care team before starting or modifying any exercise program. Your health care team will help you create an exercise program and schedule that is crafted for your child’s needs.
3. Testing blood sugar
In order to manage diabetes in children, check blood glucose periodically. This is one way to keep blood sugar levels in control as well as reduce the risk of long term complication associated with diabetes.
