Children and teenagers diagnosed with diabetes whether it be type 1 or type 2 need a balanced diet and plenty of physical activity. Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes include tiredness, fatigue, increased urine production, extreme thirst, stomachaches in children as well as headaches and sometimes even seizures or unconsciousness.
Adolescents with type 1 diabetes also known as insulin dependent diabetes need constant insulin injections and to monitor their blood glucose levels. Kids or Teens with Type 2 diabetes don’t always have to take insulin injections but they should still monitor their blood glucose levels and eat the right foods.
Most children with type 2 diabetes suffer from obesity and have a family history of diabetes. Losing the excess weight by following a specific diet will help decrease the body’s insulin resistance resulting in more energy and better overall health. A healthy balanced diet is the same for everyone. Low fat, high fiber, more starches, high carb, low protein, all of these are ideal for a balanced diet. Just follow these guidelines:
Eat 6 servings of fruit and vegetables a day Sweets are okay in moderation. About once or twice a week at the most. Eat 3 meals and 3 or 4 snacks throughout the day. try spacing your actual meals 3 hours apart. Eat more starchy vegetables Stay away from wheat gluten and processed foods like fast food An example of some good carbs are : pasta,whole grains, bread made with rye,barley, or whole grain, breakfast cereal,popcorn,fruits and vegetables,and legumes.
Regular physical activity is also needed to efficiently manage diabetes, but make sure the child has juice or bread or sugar before exercising as it can lower the blood sugar and cause hypoglycemia. Family activities can help encourage the kids to turn off the TV or Xbox and engage in physical activity. Diabetics should exercise at least an hour a day. Try activities like running, hiking, jogging, walking, swimming, or playing a game.
Type 1 Diabetics or insulin dependent diabetics require more care than type 2 diabetics. Regular appointments with the doctor, constant insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring, and a strict diet are all required. Unlike type 2 Diabetes in children type 1 is not preventable but it is treatable. If left untreated however, just like type 2 diabetes, it can and will lead to complications resulting in kidney failure,nerve damage, blood vessel damage, poor circulation leading to amputation, blurred vision or blindness, Heart disease, skin and mouth and foot problems among other serious complications like heart attack and stroke. The longer the child has diabetes the sooner the complications will occur.
In order to treat or prevent complications from occurring ask your doctor about Diabetic supplements and vitamins. They are all natural and are just vitamins your body needs whether or not your body has diabetes. Some increase circulation and blood flow to your limbs , and some increase insulin production and decrease your resistance to insulin. They have a variety of different results. However, they do work slowly and it can take up to 6 months to even tell if a supplement isn’t really working for you.
By: Dallas Crosno
© 2010 Diabetes Health
