Preventing Diabetes Complications
Keeping blood glucose as close to normal as possible is the key to prevent or delay diabetes-related complications. Nutrition management, increased physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose are the strategies that are used to treat children with type 2 diabetes.
Nutrition Management – Studies show that weight management, healthy food choices including low fat, high fiber foods can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Children with type 2 diabetes need to follow a healthy meal plan that will ensure proper nutrition for normal growth and development. Making an appointment with a registered dietitian is a good idea. A registered dietitian can tell you how many calories your child needs daily, provide assistance with menu makeovers and meal planning.
Increased Physical Activity – Children with diabetes should be physically active at least 60 minutes each day. Physical activity helps to lower blood glucose levels and control weight.
Monitoring Blood Glucose – Children with diabetes should be taught the acceptable range for their blood glucose. They should also check their blood glucose on a regular basis. Children should be encouraged to keep a journal or log book and discuss the results with their healthcare provider.
If these strategies do not reduce blood glucose, the use of an oral medication or insulin will be added to the regimen. As with type 2 diabetes in adults, the goal of treatment is to get blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. The larger goal, of course, is to prevent complications.