A slice of cake, a block of chocolate, a bowl of ice cream these are just some of the most satisfying of meal enders you and your family constantly crave. While there’s nothing wrong with having a sweet treat or two, you have to exercise some control over your kidís sugary intake. A little too much can spell a big difference; and can pose a serious health problem for your child.
Diabetic details
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that occurs when there is a problem with insulin production or resistance, affecting the body’s energy metabolism. “Insulin is important for the absorption of the food that we eat,” explains Rosa Allyn Sy, M.D., endocrinologist at The Medical City in Pasig. The energy that food provides is distributed to the cells, ensuring proper nourishment.
There are two kinds of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes, and Type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is commonly diagnosed in children; these kids are genetically predisposed to such condition, explains Susana Campos, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist at the Makati Medical Center in Makati City.
But Type 2, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is sadly beginning to afß ict children, with obesity as the leading culprit.
In 2003, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) reported a 300 percent increase in the number of obesity cases in children from ages 0 to 5, since 1998. Dr. Campos attributes this to a ìhigh-calorie, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate diet, with upsized fast food meals, eat-all-you-can buffets, and unwatched liquid calories; all of which promote energy surplus.”
Dr. Sy adds, “When weight gain leads to obesity, a lot of strong insulin resistance develops; you may produce enough insulin, but it will not be effective enough to bring down or absorb all the energy that is taken in.” Unhealthy eating habits, coupled with lack of exercise, may put you at risk of diabetes.
Down with diabetes
Having diabetes requires a lot of lifestyle adjustments, and a child may have difficulty coping with his condition, says Dr. Sy. He might feel that he is different from other children. “They become shy and they tend to withdraw from the environment because they feel they cannot compete with other children,” she adds.
Your role is crucial in his physical and emotional growth. “Parents sometimes blame themselves for having a child who’s diabetic. But they must understand what diabetes is to help their child cope. This is not curable, but it can be controlled and you can avoid the complications,” Dr. Sy says. “We want the child to know he is not really different from the rest, and he can be comfortable to do what he wants, and develop his potential.”
Click here to learn more about childhood diabetes.
[previous|page|next]
Read on to learn more about childhood diabetes.
Steps to recovery
Doctors Sy and Campos reassure parents that diabetes will only be challenging at first. With the right diet, exercise, medication, and maintenance, your child can be as happy and carefree as other kids his age. Here’s what you and your child must do:
DIET
Children aged 0 to 6, says Dr. Sy, can eat anything they want but within the prescribed proper amounts and at the right times.
Children with Type 2 diabetes are overweight; this is the first matter that needs to be addressed. ìMeal planning and lifestyle adjustment should be the primary focus,” stresses Dr. Campos. Introduce good, healthy food and eating habits gradually, and according to your dietitian’s advice. And here’s a bonus: ìIf the entire family adopts the basic guidelines, all members will be more cardiovascularly fit in the future,” adds Dr. Campos.
EXERCISE
Physical activity that comes from exercise will decrease the long-term cardiovascular complications of diabetes, says Dr. Campos. Exercise will also aid in the absorption of energy, but make sure your child doesn’t tire so much from his activities.
Children with Type 2 diabetes are not very active. Because of this, you must keep encouraging your child to exercise. Start slow.
Ask him to do simple activities like walking and playing with you.
You’ll get to spend time with your child and you’ll be providing the support that he needs. Over time, he will be capable of longer periods of endurance.
TREATMENT
There is an insulin deficiency in children with Type 1 diabetes, so your child must follow a daily routine to make up for this. “Insulin, diet, and exercise are the main cornerstones of treatment,” says Dr. Campos.
Your doctor may prescribe one to six insulin shots per day, and your childís blood sugar level will be regularly monitored.
As for Type 2 diabetes, ìtreatment must involve decreasing insulin resistance and increasing insulin secretion,î says Dr. Campos.
To do this, it is necessary for you to do a lifestyle check. Here, you will oversee your childís caloric intake.
But if the changes made do not work for your child, Dr. Campos says that an insulin sensitizer is necessary.
The changes that will be made in your child’s diet and exercise routine, as well as treatment, are important in managing diabetes.
But success in handling this condition can be achieved with the help of the whole family. With your love and support, your child will learn to lead a happy, normal life. And with your decision to make better lifestyle choices, your family will find its way to health and fitness.
Photo from sxc.hu
SOURCES:
● Susana Campos, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist, Makati Medical Center, Makati City
● Rosa Allyn G. Sy, endocrinologist, The Medical City, Pasig City
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
