Increasing Number of Children Developing Diabetes
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are on the rise among children in the United States. Parents need to know the symptoms of diabetes so that diabetes does not go untreated among children. It is also important that parents make sure that their kids are eating healthy foods, drinking more water, and exercising daily. Keep a watch on your child’s food habits and daily exercise to help lessen the likelihood of your child developing diabetes.
The CDC reports that in a ten-year study of children 0 to 19 years old, each year there was an increase of 1.8% of new Type 1 diabetes cases. There was also a 4.8% increase for new Type 2 cases.
Symptoms and Signs of Juvenile Diabetes
Your child may show the following symptoms if they have juvenile diabetes: frequent thirst, increased urination, intense breathing, constant hunger or exhaustion, and weight loss. Juveniles with Type 1 diabetes may vomit and experience severe dehydration as well as a coma-like state. These signs of diabetes are scary for children. Parents need to be aware so they are able to get their child to a doctor if these symptoms are present. If a child’s blood sugar falls or rises too drastically, they are at risk for many complications.
Teaching Children About Staying Healthy
Educate your child on the negative effects of eating foods that aren’t healthy. Stress the importance of exercising and playing outside. Show children all the tasty foods that they can eat and stay healthy. Switch out sugary candy for sweet fruit and fiber-rich snacks.
Choosing The Right Foods
Each child with diabetes may need a different diet. Speak with their doctor or dietitian about the best options for food and drinks. When diet, exercise, and insulin are balanced correctly, sugar levels can be managed. Diabetic Living Online lists some of the best food options for those with diabetes. These include apples, asparagus, avocados, beans, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, and yogurt. Check out the photo on the right that we provided showing some pretty great options for those of you with diabetic children.
Checking Blood Glucose and Taking Insulin
Getting diabetes as a child is difficult. Living with juvenile diabetes requires careful and frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood glucose multiple times a day through a finger prick is an inconvenient but necessary task. Taking insulin may be required if your child’s pancreas does not make or use its insulin correctly. Insulin is a hormone that allows cells to use the glucose they ingest from food. Man-made insulin is used to help some children control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes At School
As a parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, it is extremely important to make sure your child’s school knows about his/her diabetes. Day to day management is intensive. Schools play an important role in helping children manage their diabetes. Make sure that if your child has been newly diagnosed or is very young there is a specific plan that their teacher will keep in place. Assistance at school is very important. Put daily care and emergency plans in place.
Pediatric Studies
At Lucas Research, we are here to help with pediatric diabetes. Dr. Lucas is doing pediatric research studies now to help your child get the best diabetes medications. Contact us today to set up a free appointment.
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