Weight and Diabetes in Kids
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Providing Parental Support
Children who have diabetes may experience many emotions, including depression, embarrassment, anxiety, isolation, guilt, and anger. Teens may want to live a more spontaneous life than their diabetes will allow. Young children may not understand why blood samples and insulin injections are necessary, and may become scared, angry, and uncooperative. Providing emotional support is key to helping your child deal with diabetes.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide a healthy diet and encourage physical activity in order for your child to be healthy. Try to stay positive and concentrate on talking about being "healthy," not about being "fat" or "thin." Children with type 2 diabetes who maintain a healthy weight have greater self-esteem and find diabetes management easier. Be a positive role model and you will help your child develop healthy eating and exercise habits.
With proper treatment, blood sugar levels can be controlled, dramatically reducing the risk of long-term complications. Until research can provide a cure or perfect diabetes treatment, parents will play a primary role in helping their children lead happier, healthier lives.
Sources:
www.cdc.gov
www.kidshealth.org
www.healthiergeneration.org
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