Type II diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way the body metabolizes glucose. Although type II diabetes is more often seen in adults, the condition is beginning to be seen more often among children, as more children are overweight. According to a population study in the October 2006 issue of "Pediatrics," approximately 2 out of 100 children in the U.S. under the age of 19 years had type II diabetes. Like adults, type II diabetes can be managed in children.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Regular testing of the child's blood sugar helps ensure that blood sugar levels are within levels recommended by the child's physician, according to an article by the American Diabetics Association in the January 2008 edition of "Diabetes Care." Blood sugar levels may need to be tested at least three times a day, but a child's physician may recommend even more frequent testing. Some physicians suggest keeping a log of blood sugar readings. Checking blood glucose levels is usually done through finger sticks, but some blood glucose meters permit testing at other sites of the body.
Healthy Eating
A registered dietician often helps parents of children with type II diabetes develop meal plans to help manage type II diabetes. Weight reduction may be suggested if the child is overweight. According to the American Diabetic Association, eating healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, is often recommended to help manage type II diabetes among children. Sweets, meats and foods high in fat and calories are suggested in moderation.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is often recommended to help children manage their type II diabetes, according to the American Diabetic Association. Recommended physical activities include walking, biking, swimming and participation in sports. Working exercise into the daily routine is another way to become more physically active. An example of working in exercise is taking the stairs instead of an elevator.
Medication and Insulin
Many children also may need medication to help maintain blood sugar levels, according to the American Diabetic Association. Metformin is the only orally-administered medication for type II diabetes treatment to be approved for children aged 10 years and older. Because enzymes in the stomach often prevent anti-diabetes medications from working effectively, many children are given insulin injections. There are many types of insulin, including regular insulin, rapid-acting insulin, and long-acting insulin. The child's physician may prescribe a variety of insulin types to help manage blood sugar levels at various times of the day. Insulin may be injected with an insulin pen, a device that looks like a writing pen, or with a needle and syringe. An insulin pump, an alternative to injections, is a small device worn on the outside of the body. The insulin flows from the device through a tube inserted under the skin.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes---2008; American Diabetes Association; January 2008.
- "Pediatrics" The Burden of Diabetes Mellitus among U.S. Youth: Prevalence Estimates from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study"; Angela Liese PhD, Ralph D'Agostino, Jr, PhD, Richard Hamman, MD, Patrick Kilgo, Jean Lawrence, ScD, Lenna Liu, MD, Beth Loots, Barbara Linder, PhD, MD, Santica Marcovina, PhD, Benigno Rodriguez, MD, Debra Standiford, and David Williams; October 2006.
