World Diabetes Day: 8 Dietary Tips To Manage Diabetes In Kids
Diabetes has three types,
of which type-1 diabetes is a common condition in teens and children. With
type-1 diabetes, the pancreas is not
able to produce insulin, which is a hormone that helps
glucose, or sugar,
get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much sugar tends
to stay in the blood. Type-1 diabetes in children requires consistent care and
attention; however, advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery
have improved the daily management of this health condition.
According
to Dr. Ravishankar Marpalli, Pediatrician, BR Life SSNMC Hospital,
"Childhood type-1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the
pancreatic B-cells. While diabetes can be seen at any age, type-1 diabetes is
seen among the children around the age of puberty. But the sedentary lifestyle
and rise in obesity has
increased the risk of type-2 diabetes among children of less than 5 years."
Causes of
type-1 diabetes in kids
While causes of type-1
diabetes are unknown, most children with this condition may have a weaker
immune system that tends to mistakenly destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Some
of the risk factors for type-1 diabetes may include family history, genetic
susceptibility, viruses (in the environment), and diet.
Signs and
symptoms of type-1 diabetes
A few signs and symptoms
of type-1 diabetes may include:
·
Weight loss
· Fruity-smelling breath
· Blurred vision
· Extreme hunger
· Increased thirst and frequent urination
· Fatigue
· Irritability or behaviour changes
· Yeast infections in girls
· Fruity-smelling breath
· Blurred vision
· Extreme hunger
· Increased thirst and frequent urination
· Fatigue
· Irritability or behaviour changes
· Yeast infections in girls
As
per Dr. Ravishankar Marpalli, "Kids with type-1 diabetes need to take
insulin every day to control the glucose level in their body. This is for the
lifetime. If they stop insulin, the life expectancy may become shorter. It is
harder for the kids to accept diabetes as they have to use insulin
regularly."
World Diabetes Day 2018: Dietary tips to
manage type-1 diabetes in kids
According
to Dr. Marpalli, "Breastfeeding can provide protective effect against
type-1 diabetes. It is proposed that the presence of antimicrobials and
anti-inflammatory agents in the breast milk and substances that promote the
maturation of the immune system in human milk create a protective effect
against type-1 diabetes. Proper nutrition during the first few months of life
can prevent the appearance of diabetes. Breast milk results in greater satiety
than infant formulas, preventing the development of obesity. Children who
receive breast milk in the initial few months have a lower risk of being
overweight during childhood, adolescence which will avoid developing type-2
Diabetes."
Here are some
dietary tips that can help manage blood sugar levels in kids, as suggested by
Dr. Marpalli
1. There is a huge
change in the diet of children who happen to have type-1 diabetes. To avoid
kids with diabetes to feel depressed about their diet, make them eat ice-cream
or sweets once in a while and control on other dietary aspects.
2. Kids with diabetes
should take proper meals during regular intervals.
3. Parents should be an
example for the kids. They should avoid junk and instead choose to eat healthy
food. Children tend to learn what they see, so you, as parents, have to take
the initiative to toss away unhealthy food in your diet.
4. Keep your kids away
from processed foods. These foods are high in carbohydrates and sugar, both of
which are responsible for spiking blood sugar
levels, further causing complications in the body.
5. Kids love aerated
drinks, and sugary beverages. These zero-nutrition beverages can increase the
chances of developing diabetes. Try and limit the consumption of these drinks
that may only up the chances of developing this lifestyle condition.
6. Cut down the
consumption of carbohydrates and include complex carbs like vegetables and
grains.
7. Include kids-friendly
choices like low-fat string cheese, a hard-boiled egg, or a small serving of
nuts with a sugar-free drink for snacks.
8. Do include more
fibre- and protein- rich foods in their diet. Prepare interesting and delicious
delicacies that they can enjoy.
Apart from these, make
sure you encourage your child to pick a physical activity of his/her choice.
Make sure s/he has an active lifestyle; give your child an option to engage in
swimming, skipping, jogging, and playing outdoor sports. In fact, you must set
an example for them. Go out and play with them and encourage them to stay
physically fit.
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herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your
physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have
regarding a medical condition. Source: This article inspired from various
online articles and own offline experiences. The content meant for public
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