Tips When Caring For Children Living With Diabetes

Diabetes Three-Part Plan

• Healthful eating. In general, following a balanced meal plan similar to My Pyramid is good for your child—and the whole family. A Registered Dietitian (RD) or Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) will develop a personal meal plan that includes regular meals and snacks with the right amount of food and carbohydrates to help avoid high and low blood glucose. If your child is overweight, the RD or CDE will make sure the meal plan helps achieve an appropriate weight for height. Find tips on Health & Nutrition, including MyPyramid.
• Physical activity. As for other kids, the recommendation for a child with diabetes is at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Physical activity lowers blood glucose levels and burns calories to promote weight management. Get tips on Physical Activity for Kids.
• Monitoring and meds. Your child's doctor or CDE will show your child and you how and when to test and record blood glucose throughout the day and, if necessary, how to adjust food and any diabetes medications such as insulin.