Diabetes – We wish to protect our children from illness and sickness as much as possible. Diabetes has an impact on how the body uses glucose. Although some children are unable to avoid type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be avoided, and there are numerous techniques to do so.
Type 1 Diabetes
No one knows for sure what causes type 1 diabetes, but scientists believe that it’s a genetic order or that a child must have been exposed to something else to get this disease. Type 1 diabetes isn’t contagious, so your child can’t get it from another person or pass it along to anyone.
Although type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, you can manage it. According to the American Diabetes Association or ADA that breastfed babies have a lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes and becoming overweight or obese later in life, which is also a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. You can also manage type 1 diabetes by avoiding feeding them solid foods at a very young age. There are other things you can do to manage type 1 diabetes:
- Lessen foods that are high in fats and properly portion your carbs. If you include carbohydrates in your family diet, make sure that you incorporate other foods that include the important nutrients that your child will need.
- Learn about the different medications and consult a health professional about your child’s medication and what best fits his/her need.
- Learn how to give shots and how to use insulin pumps and learn how to check your child’s blood sugar level and interpret the results.
Type 2 Diabetes
On the other hand, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. This is common with kids who are overweight, obese, and have a sedentary lifestyle. More children and teenagers are being diagnosed with this type [2 diabetes].
However, there are simple steps you can do to prevent and reduce your child’s risk of having type [2 diabetes]:
- Healthy diet – Encourage your child to eat low-fat, nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Try to incorporate whole-grain cereals, bread, fruits, and vegetables into your child’s diet. This will keep their body healthy and strong.
- Limit your child’s intake of sugary foods and beverages – sodas, juices, candies, and cake contribute to excessive weight gain, and as much as possible, we want our child to stay healthy so let’s keep them off from sugary foods.
- Encourage your child to be physically active – limit the amount of time your child spends on sedentary activities such as watching television and playing video/computer games. Instead, encourage them to play outside or participate in sports. This will decrease the risk of weight gain and will help with your healthy diet meal plan.
It is important for a growing child to get enough calories and nutrients for a healthy body and development. Excessive amounts of calories can lead to weight gain. That is why it is important that you watch your child’s diet and put the right portion of food on their plate.
Balance out the foods that you will give them and keep them healthy and active.
Having a proper diet and encouraging them to be active can help a lot in preventing them from having type 2 diabetes. It is also important to see a health professional know if your child needs medication, treatment, and what activities can your child do to help them improve their health.
