If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, here are tips to help manage their blood glucose (blood sugar) and keep them healthy.
What is blood glucose?
Glucose is a type of sugar found in the blood. The food your child eats is broken down by the body into glucose. Glucose fuels nearly every cell and is the main source of energy in the body.
Our cells need the help of insulin to take the glucose from the blood. Insulin is made by an organ called the pancreas.
In children with type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin, and the cells don't use the insulin very well.
Why is it important to manage blood glucose levels?
Glucose will build up in the blood if it cannot be used by the cells. High blood glucose levels can damage many parts of the body, such as the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
Your child's blood glucose levels may need to be checked on a regular schedule to make sure the levels do not get too high. Your child's doctor will tell you what your child's blood glucose level should be.
You and your child will need to learn how to use a glucose meter. Blood glucose levels can be quickly and easily measured using a glucose meter. First, a lancet is used to prick the skin; then a drop of blood from your child's finger is placed on a test strip that is inserted into the meter.
Are there medicines for type 2 diabetes?
Your child's doctor may prescribe a medicine to take by mouth, or injections of insulin if needed. These will help control your child's blood glucose levels.
If your child's doctor has prescribed a medicine for your child, it's important that they take it as directed. Side effects from certain medicines may include bloating or gassiness. Check with your child's doctor if you have questions.
Along with medicines, your child's doctor will suggest changes to your child's diet and encourage your child to be physically active.
Healthy diet & physical activity tips
A healthy diet and staying active are especially important for children with type 2 diabetes. Your child's blood glucose levels are easier to manage when you child is at a healthy weight.
Create a plan for eating healthy.
Talk with your child's doctor and registered dietitian about a meal plan that meets the needs of your child. The following tips can help you select foods that are healthy and high in nutrients (protein, vitamins and minerals):
Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Include high-fiber,
whole-grain foods such as brown rice, whole-grain pasta, corn, peas and breads and cereals at meals. Sweet potatoes are also a good choice.
Choose lower-fat or fat-free toppings like grated low-fat parmesan cheese, salsa, herbed cottage cheese, nonfat/low-fat gravy, low-fat sour cream, low-fat salad dressing or yogurt.
Select lean meats such as skinless chicken and turkey, fish, lean beef cuts (round, sirloin, chuck, loin, lean ground beef—no more than 15% fat content), and lean pork cuts (tenderloin, chops, ham). Trim off all visible fat. Remove skin from cooked poultry before eating.
Include healthy oils such as canola or olive oil in your diet. Choose margarine and vegetable oils without trans fats made from canola, corn, sunflower, soybean or olive oils.
Use nonstick vegetable sprays when cooking.
Use fat-free cooking methods such as baking, broiling, grilling, poaching or steaming when cooking meat, poultry or fish.
Serve vegetable and broth-based soups, or use nonfat (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk or evaporated skim milk when making cream soups.
Use the
Nutrition Facts label on food packages to find foods with less saturated fat per serving. Pay attention to the serving size as you make choices. Remember that the percent daily values on food labels are based on
portion sizes and calorie levels for adults.
Create a plan for physical activity.
Physical activity, along with proper nutrition, promotes lifelong health. Here are some ways to help support physical activity. :
Encourage your child to be active
at least 1 hour a day. Active play is the best exercise for younger children! Parents can join their children and have fun while being active too. School-aged child should participate every day in 1 hour or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity that is right for their age, is enjoyable, and involves a variety of activities.
Be mindful of screen time. Create a
Family Media Plan to help children and teens balance their media use with other healthy activities.
Keep an activity log. Using activity logs can help kids keep track of their exercise programs and physical activity. Online tools can be helpful.
Get the whole family involved. It is a great way to spend time together. Also, children who regularly see their parents enjoying sports and physical activity are more likely to do so themselves.