schedule for seeing any other specialists that your child may need.
Signs Of Diabetes In Children
There are two different types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t make the insulin you need to process sugar. This usually happens because the immune system is attacking the pancreatic cells that make insulin. This type of diabetes may be diagnosed at a much earlier age.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, may occur later in life but it doesn’t mean that children are immune. When you have type 2 diabetes, it means that your pancreas is making less insulin than it used to and your body isn’t using the insulin it has. This type of diabetes can be caused by a genetic predisposition, other health issues, and being overweight.
Regardless of the type of diabetes your child is dealing with, the symptoms are typically similar. Children with this condition may have increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, chronic fatigue, increased hunger, frequent infections, irritability, fruity-smelling breath, frequent urination, and darkened areas of skin around the neck, armpits, or groin.
Effective Meal Planning For Children With Diabetes
When you’re planning meals for a diabetic child, you have to consider how the food will affect their blood sugar levels. To accomplish this, it’s best to stick to complex carbohydrates that break down slowly and won’t cause a spike in blood sugar. Conversely, you should avoid sugary foods and drinks. Doctors also advise including lean sources of protein in two or more meals per day as well as moderate amounts of fat. You don’t want to give them too much fat as people with diabetes are more prone to heart disease.
Since meals don’t always go according to plan with children, it’s also helpful to have low-carb snacks handy. These can include cucumber slices, lettuce with meat and cheese, sugar-free drinks, reduced-fat string cheese, a hard-boiled egg, scrambled eggs, and a small serving of nuts.
It can be challenging to take care of a child with diabetes but you’ll be able to manage it if you have a plan. While your plan should include the items listed here, you shouldn’t make any decisions without consulting your child’s doctor. A support system will also be important.