October marks the beginning of candy and dessert season. It’s also a good time to discuss diabetes prevention. Diabetes is a process where the body is not able to effectively manage blood sugar. As you have all heard, childhood diabetes is growing at an alarming rate. In the past, most children developed diabetes in response to a failed pancreas (Type I or insulin dependent). Now, many children are developing diabetes caused by an over-stimulation of blood sugar (Type II or non-insulin dependent). In fact, national statistics state that from one-third to one-half of children born in the year 2000 are on track to develop diabetes in their lifetime. As parents and community members, we must take this disease seriously and work to decrease the chances of our children become people living with diabetes.
Here are some tips to lower your child’s risks:
- Let your kids run and play daily for exercise. This is a great way for kids to maintain a healthy weight.
- Change to low-fat milk after age 2. This decreases fat intake.
- Obesity is a huge risk factor for developing diabetes. Talk to your physician if you feel your child is becoming overweight. It is best to let a physician determine if your child is obese.
- Follow the food pyramid daily (6 servings from the grain group, 2 from fruits, 3 from vegetables, 2 from milk, 2 from meat, and "less" fats.)
- Dilute store bought 100%fruit juice ½ and ½ with water. No more than 6 to 12 ounces of juice per day are recommended depending on your child’s age.
- Drink water instead of soda. This decreases wasted calories from sugar and negative effects that cola may have on the bones.
- Eat fruits or veggies instead of processed snacks. This increases good calories and fiber intake while decreasing salt and sugar intake.
- Incorporate more beans into your child’s diet. They are nutritionally dense with lots of fiber and protein. Your kids will get full and have lots of energy from a good source.
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