If you’re a parent of a child with diabetes, there’s a lot for you to keep track of—dietary changes, exercise routines, and more. Despite the hardship, there’s hope. Check out our top tips for parents with children who have diabetes.
Watch Their Diet
People with diabetes need to watch their diet in general, but children, in particular, tend to love sugary foods and foods high in cholesterol. When you have a child with diabetes, it’s important that you cut these foods out of their diet early. Incorporate leafy greens instead and get them acclimated to them early. They shouldn’t drink any sodas. Instead, cucumbers, kale, and other fruits and veggies should be staples of their diet.
Watch Their Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle can cause diabetes complications. If you enroll your child in a sport after school, make sure to tell their coach about their condition and see if they can modify the exercises for them. You can also exercise with them on weekends. Just keep in mind that you don’t want to overdo it. Choose low-impact exercises if you can as high-impact exercises have greater potential to cause wounds, cuts, or bruises. Walking is preferred to running and jumping. You can find other modifications online. These are all great tips if you have a child with diabetes.
Get Them the Right Accessories
Make sure your child always keeps everything they need with them. They should carry their insulin, lancets, and any medication at all times. In addition, make sure that their teachers and the principal are all aware of their condition in case something happens. Try to get your child a pair of diabetic shoes so they can be comfortable when they’re on their feet between classes. A bag to hold their diabetic supplies will also help them tremendously.
In short, diabetes is a health condition you have to stay on top of, but it’s manageable. We hope our parenting tips and tricks help you get started on your journey!
