Juvenile Diabetes: Parenting a Diabetic Child

Diabetes is a disease that we generally only think of in relation to adults. Genetic predisposition, family history and obesity are the typical causes of diabetes. Unfortunately, with national obesity rates escalating, especially in children, we are seeing a higher incidence of juvenile diabetes. Our national obsession with commercial, artificially flavored, processed and fast foods is causing a rise in the incidence of diabetes also. At birth, formula fed infants begin life on a diet of processed food. Children are literally weaned on a diet of McDonald's and Burger King.

How can your prevent diabetes in your children? What can you as a parent do if you are raising a diabetic child? Let's look at some options and health tips.

1. Explore your family health history. Ask relatives about their health issues. Be proactive. Do your own genetic research and find out what illnesses and conditions your children may inherit.

2. Give your children the best start in life. Breast-feed. Begin him on the best food of all: mother's milk.

3. Gather information about diabetes. Explore treatment and prevention options. Teach your child all about her diabetes. Knowledge is power.

4. Maintain your own health. Set a healthy example for your child. If you have not made healthy choices in the past, start now. If you are trying to break an unhealthy habit, like smoking, don't quit quitting.

5. Teach your child as young as possible how to monitor his own insulin and glucose levels. Ask your doctor to prescribe a glucose monitor that your child can administer himself.

6. Avoid restaurant food, junk food, fast food and buffets. Avoid processed foods, soda pop and candy. These are danger zones for diabetics. There is no way to find out just what the child is consuming with commercial or restaurant food. If you do dine out, choose a restaurant like Applebee's that offers a diabetic menu or Subway that posts nutrition facts. Look for foods that have: little or no sugar, low carb count, no trans fats or saturated fats, high in fiber and protein.

7. Support your diabetic child by following a general diabetic diet within the family. Allow some flexibility with other non-diabetic children but encourage and praise the solidarity they show their sibling.

8. Exercise together as a family. Enjoy walks, bike rides, roller-blading, swimming or team games together. This is especially important if your diabetic child is obese.

9. Communicate your child's needs as a diabetic to everyone who interacts with her. Create a simple wallet card or list of instructions for school, day care, social or sports groups. Get everyone on board. Be your child's advocate.

10. Pack your child's school lunch. Look for special diabetic treats that she can enjoy. She may feel left out at parties and special events. Try to find all the foods she can eat on a diabetic diet. Send some of her special treats to share at school. This way she will not feel so different and her friends will better understand her diabetes.

11. Purchase a medical ID bracelet or necklace for him giving clear instructions on what care he needs.

12. Join a support group with your child so that she will not feel so alone. Plan 'diabetic' outings.

Most of all, whatever you do, be there for your child with your love and support.