According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2007 an estimated 186,300 people under age 20 had diabetes in the United States. Although diabetes presents challenges that must be addressed during times of exercise, sports and physical activities are entirely possible for your child to engage in, and they will benefit her health. It's important to learn about exercise and diabetes and educate yourself on how to help your child safely engage in the fun of sports and exercise with her peers.
Benefits
Your child's body and psychological well-being benefit from exercise. Because weight management is frequently an issue for diabetic children, exercise can help your child maintain a healthy weight. According to the Nemours Foundation, exercise also helps the body's tissues respond better to insulin. A child with diabetes may feel self-conscious or odd, and the self-esteem sports can bring give him confidence and the enjoyment of teamwork.
Consult Your Doctor
Consult with your child's health care provider about what types of physical exercise are appropriate. Your health care team will help you create an exercise program and schedule that is crafted for your child's needs. Additionally, the Nemours Foundation stresses that working with your doctor can help resolve your fears and allow you to convey a confident attitude as you support your child. The normal medication routine she is on may be altered to accommodate exercise, and it's important to follow the guidelines your doctor provides.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
It's important to monitor your child's blood glucose levels before, during and after exercise. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) states that, because exercise enhances the effect of insulin, it's possible for blood glucose levels to drop up to 12 hours following physical activity, so be sure to check your child's blood glucose later on. If he is able to check his own blood glucose, tell his coaches to help by reminding him. Keeping tabs on blood glucose will give you and your child the confidence that he is exercising safely.
Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia
The Nemours Foundation says that exercise can bring changes in your child's blood glucose levels and create either low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) or high blood glucose (hyperglycemia). Hypoglycemia can occur as her body uses more blood glucose to fuel its work. This condition can be compounded by high insulin levels if she has recently received an insulin injection. Conversely, hyperglycemia can be caused by the body responding to the exercise and releasing extra blood glucose to help meet demands. Either condition can occur during and after exercise and must be addressed with a snack in the case of hypoglycemia or insulin in the case of hyperglycemia.
Preparation
Eating a healthy diet and following the medication guidelines your health care provider prescribes for your child are essential preparations for safe exercising. Be sure your child has a medic alert bracelet, and that his coaches and other parents are aware of her condition. Always have snacks, water, blood glucose testing supplies and proper medications available, and know how to respond to needs that may arise.
