Juvenile diabetes--now known as type 1 diabetes--is a condition that is characterized by reduced or terminated ability of the pancreas to produce insulin. According to the Mayo Clinic, juvenile diabetes typically develops in adolescence; however, it can occur at any age. There is no cure for diabetes, but being able to control and stabilize symptoms can prevent the condition from resulting in severe complications. Making healthy lifestyle choices is key for children and adults who want to treat their diabetes naturally.
Step 1
Maintain a healthy weight. Exercising for at least 30 minutes on most days helps patients who are already at a normal weight for their age and height to maintain a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy weight and diabetes control go hand in hand because insulin controls the uptake of sugar into the bloodstream. Further, overweight patients are often able to better manage their diabetes after they have reduced their weight. A patient's physician should make recommendations on any required adjustments to weight.
Step 2
Those who want to treat diabetes naturally rather than depending on medications like insulin injections should develop an eating plan with the help of a physician or a dietitian, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. The goal of the eating plan will be to balance their blood sugar levels with the foods they eat. UMMC recommends that patients eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day to keep their blood sugar levels consistent. In addition, patients should aim to eat the same amount of fats, proteins and carbohydrates each day to prevent spikes or drops in their blood sugar level.
Step 3
A child with diabetes may be required to monitor his or her blood glucose levels approximately four times per day using an electronic blood glucose monitor, says UMMC. Recording the test results in a log or journal can be a helpful tool a patient's physician uses to evaluate how well they are managing their condition. A patient should strive to keep their glucose levels within the range from 80 to 120 mg/dL throughout the day and slightly higher (100 to 140 mg/dL) near bedtime, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice proper hygiene daily, paying special attention to the feet, recommends the Mayo Clinic. As a result of diabetes-related nerve damage, small cuts, blisters or sores can go unnoticed until they turn severe and diabetes-related impaired circulation means it may take longer for them to heal. The Mayo Clinic advises patients to pay close attention to their feet and take care of them each day. This can be done by washing them in lukewarm water, drying them with a clean towel and applying a cream-based moisturizer to each foot. This can be a relaxing ritual before bed each night.
