Children with diabetes: Don’t be a “small diabetic”, the key is to balance eating and exercise

In modern society, with the improvement of living standards and changes in lifestyle, diabetes has become a global health problem. For children, diabetes not only affects their physical health, but may also have a profound impact on their long-term quality of life. Therefore, it is important for parents and children to understand the characteristics, prevention and treatment of childhood diabetes.

1. Obese children should pay attention

There is a close connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Obesity can lead to a decrease in the body's sensitivity to insulin, thereby increasing insulin resistance. The fat cells of obese children release substances that interfere with the action of insulin, making it impossible for insulin to effectively transport glucose into cells, leading to increased blood sugar. Therefore, parents should pay attention to their children's weight changes, avoid excessive intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, and encourage their children to participate in more physical activities to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Symptoms similar to those in adults

The symptoms of diabetes in children are similar to those in adults, mainly including polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia and weight loss. Children may experience increased urination, thirst, increased food intake but weight loss instead of gain. In addition, if children are easily fatigued, have a poor mental state, or have slow wound healing and recurrent infections, these may also be signs of diabetes. Parents should be vigilant and take their children to the doctor for examination as soon as these symptoms are found.

3. Some children with diabetes may be able to reverse

For newly diagnosed children with diabetes, especially those with obesity, it is possible to reverse diabetes through reasonable diet control and lifestyle changes. Studies have shown that for obese patients with type 2 diabetes, it is possible to achieve long-term relief of diabetes by losing weight and improving insulin sensitivity. Therefore, parents should actively cooperate with the doctor's guidance and help their children develop a reasonable diet and exercise plan.

4. Several differences in prevention and treatment

There are some differences between the prevention and treatment of diabetes in children and adults. First, children are in a critical period of growth and development, and dietary control needs to take into account the balance of nutrition and the growth and development needs of children. Secondly, exercise therapy for children should be more interesting to attract children to actively participate. In addition, children with diabetes are more likely to have psychological problems, and parents and doctors should give more attention and support.

5. Emphasis on early prevention and treatment

Early prevention and treatment are crucial for childhood diabetes. Parents should take their children for regular blood sugar tests, especially for children with a family history of diabetes or obesity. In daily life, parents should cultivate good eating and exercise habits for their children to avoid long-term intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods. Once a child is diagnosed with diabetes, treatment should be started as soon as possible, and blood sugar levels should be strictly controlled through comprehensive measures such as diet, exercise and medication to reduce the risk of diabetic complications.

Children and adolescents with a family history of diabetes or obesity should regularly check their fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels to detect abnormal blood sugar levels early. It is recommended that children and adolescents regularly measure their height, weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, etc. to comprehensively assess their health status.