Coaching Kids For Health: Managing Type 2 Diabetes In Children, Part 1

If you are the parent of a child with Type 2 Diabetic children, then read on! 

 

You must learn as much as possible about the condition. To coach your child to better health, you need a solid plan, which relies less on pharmaceuticals and more on lifestyle choices. Have you heard that Diabetes 2 is called a "lifestyle disease?" While parents of the children suffered from this disease spend thousands of dollars on vitamin supplements, mineral supplements and liquid vitamins, nothing replaces appropriate lifestyle choices.

 

Alarming Children's Diabetes Rates

Children are diagnosed with diabetes each day and that number is increasing. Type 1 Diabetes, otherwise known as childhood diabetes, is typically diagnosed in childhood and usually represents only 5% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 Diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, is more common and was once thought to be a disease that only afflicted adults over 30 years of age.

 

However, recent figures show that it is becoming increasingly common in children and teens. The prevalence has been rising at a startling rate over the last 10 years. The National Association of School Nurses report that approximately 1 out of every 500 children and teenagers has this disease. Furthermore, an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Dr. William Dietz, reports that almost half of diabetes cases in children and adolescents are type 2. A 50% rate of Type 2 Diabetes was unheard of 20 years ago. Most physicians believe this increase in Type 2 Diabetes rates is due to increasing obesity, poor food choices and the progressively more sedentary lifestyle experienced by children today.

 

Insulin Is Key

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin acts to keep blood glucose levels from rising too high. That's why type 1 diabetics have to take insulin on a daily basis. However, with Type 2, the pancreas still produces insulin. The problem is that either the amount of insulin produced in not enough to control blood glucose levels, or the body becomes resistant to the blood sugar lowering effects of insulin. Unfortunately, parents and children alike mistakenly believe that a prescription medication for Type 2 Diabetes will solve the problem. Prescription drugs, in theory, provide a quick fix to illnesses and diseases and are reasonably safe when taken as directed. Insulin and the oral drug Metformin are the only FDA approved prescription drugs for treatment of diabetes 2 in children. However, these drugs are not as safe as the FDA may want you to believe.

 

Daily insulin injections are associated with a plethora of side effects, which can range from weight gain to dangerously low blood glucose levels.

This, in turn, may cause fatigue, dizziness and fainting.

 

The safety profile of Metformin is not much better. For example, a study led by Dr Kenneth Jones reported that in 42 children treated with Metformin, 14% dropped out of the study within 4 months, 10% required rescue medication and a startling 70% experienced at least one adverse event (most common side effects were abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and headache).

 

Given the evidence, Metformin can hardly be considered a safe drug. This reveals that just because FDA approved the drug doesn't necessarily mean that it is risk free. Clearly, parents need better alternatives to prescription medications to help treat this in children.

 

Screen Children for Diabetes

• the American Diabetes Association recommends that children aged 10 years or older with the following characteristics need to be screened for Type 2 Diabetes:
• Body mass index (a number calculated from height and body weight) is in the 85th percentile or higher, or if body weight is greater than 120% of normal for their height and any 2 of the following
• Family history of this Diabetes in a first or second degree relative such as a mother, brother or first cousin.
• Ethnic background is African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander. People of these ethnic origins have higher rates of Type 2 Diabetes than people of other backgrounds.
• Signs of insulin resistance such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension or high triglyceride levels.

It is difficult to detect it, especially in children. Symptoms are usually nonexistent or mild in the early stages of the disease, which may be overlooked for long periods of time. Some telltale signs of possible Type 2 Diabetes include:

• Constant thirst,
• Frequent urination or bed-wetting,
• Fatigue,
• Blurred vision and
• Darkened skin around the neck or underarms.

The darkened skin is called Acanthosis nigricans or A for short and is caused by insulin resistance. In this state the body produces insulin, but it is simply not being used. Hence, a build-up in the body, which results in AN. About 75% of young people with this lifestyle disease experience the A side effect.

 

Dr. Caron Goode is gifted with compassion in assisting others to effect lasting transformation through spiritual coaching, books, classes and seminars. Caron's continuous education, experience in psychology and professional writing makes her a great resource for parents wishing to create and maintain a nurturing relationship their children.

 

For more details about this article so please click this link: http://academyforcoachingparents.com/blog/

 

For information, please visit our website: http://academyforcoachingparents.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Caron_Goode

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6368031

Kids With Diabetes - Family Support Makes All the Difference

Almost every kid's dream in life is to be normal, but that can be difficult for a kid with diabetes. There are many things these children that other children, and even other adults do not have to do, and these can be a major adjustment for your child and family. It is important, as a parent, to educate yourself about these changes and be prepared for them so you may better help your child.

 

It is essential to be honest with your child about their disease and it's dangers. You will have told your kid what changes need to be made in regards to food, but candy and sugar can be a powerful temptation for little mouths. This means you'll need to monitor your child closely in regards to what they eat.

 

You'll also be responsible for getting your kid with diabetes used to the medication and possibly insulin that will part of their daily regimen. Insulin shots may be particularly difficult for a child as these seem to make them feel the most different from other children.

 

It's easier for your kids with diabetes if the whole family take a step towards better health and makes similar adjustments, with limiting sweets and increasing whole fibers and vegetables. Perhaps your whole family can start a routine of exercise together.

 

Taking a united approach to your child's diabetes will make the child feel more supported, and allow less room for potentially dangerous slip ups. Work together as a family to make your kid with diabetes more prepared for their disease, and let them know they are just like other kids despite their condition, maybe even a little more special.

 

Kids with diabetes can sometimes be missed as kids have other growing pains. Knowing what the signs of juvenile diabetes are can really help your kids get treatment earlier. [http://www.diabetic-information.com/]

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Mahon

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2912094

Sick Day Management Tips when Your Child Has Type 1 Diabetes

How Illness Affects Your Child's Blood Glucose

 

Having a sick child can be challenging—getting time off work and securing a last-minute doctor's appointment isn't always easy. But when your sick child also happens to have type 1 diabetes, it presents a separate set of complications relating to insulin and blood glucose (blood sugar) management. This article covers some important considerations to keep in mind the next time your child with type 1 diabetes feels under the weather.

 

Checking Blood Glucose and Ketones
Even the most common ailments, such as a cold or flu, can cause your child's blood glucose levels to rise. Plus, some over-the-counter medications can cause blood glucose levels to increase even more. Complicating matters, your child's blood glucose levels may actually drop too low if he or she is vomiting or has stopped eating.

 

You just can't be certain how an illness will affect your child's blood glucose—that's why it's important to check their levels more often than you normally would. A general guideline to shoot for is to check their blood glucose every 2 to 3 hours, but remember—that's a guideline. Your child may require more or fewer checks, depending on your health care professional's recommendations.

In addition to checking blood glucose levels, you also need to check for the presence of ketones in the urine. In people with type 1 diabetes, common illnesses can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition characterized by acidic blood caused by the release of too many ketones.

 

Ketones are released when your body doesn't have enough insulin, so it's important to check your child's urine regularly (usually every 4 hours) until there are no ketones detected. If ketones are still present, that's a sign that your child needs more insulin. There are 2 ways to check ketones: using urine ketone strips or a meter that's much like checking blood sugars but with a special test strip.

You can read more about ketoacidosis in our article about type 1 diabetes complications.

 

Insulin Adjustments During Sick Days
Oftentimes, your child may not want or be able to eat when sick. Even so, it's still essential that your child keeps taking insulin when he or she is sick. Without insulin, the body will resort to burning fat for energy, and this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

Because illness can wreak havoc on blood glucose levels, you will likely need to adjust your child's insulin dosage. The degree of adjustment is completely unique to your child. Plus, the severity of the illness and treatments used also factor in (remember, some over-the-counter medications can affect your child's blood glucose).

 

Use your child's blood glucose levels as a guide when adjusting insulin. If you have any questions about how to adjust your child's insulin on sick days, call your health care professional.

 

Food and Drink Guidelines
Certain nutritional considerations on sick days may help prevent potentially serious complications of type 1 diabetes. Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids, as this will prevent dehydration and ketoacidosis. As a general rule, your child should drink small amounts of liquids—about a ½ cup—every hour. It's best for your child to drink slowly instead of in large gulps. Tea, broth, and of course, water, are ideal options.

 

If your child is unable to eat a normal meal, make sure he or she is taking in a certain amount of liquid or solid carbohydrates to prevent sudden drops in blood glucose. Fifteen grams of carbs every hour is a good amount to shoot for, but always follow the specific recommendations from your health care professional.

 

Below are some good examples of beverages and foods for sick days:

• Sugar-containing beverages (sugar-free liquids may be consumed if blood glucose levels are elevated)
• Fruit juice
• Sports drinks
• Jell-o
• Popsicles
• Broth-based soups
• Saltines
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Toast
• Graham crackers

When to Seek Medical Attention
When your child has type 1 diabetes and is sick, there are a number of situations that warrant medical attention. If your child is having problems breathing and/or has had at least 3 episodes of vomiting or diarrhea within a single day, call your doctor. Also, if large amounts of ketones remain in your child's urine after several hours, seek medical attention. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns about adjusting your child's insulin dosage, don't hesitate to call your health care professional.

 

Source: http://www.endocrineweb.com

Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School

Important Resources for School Staff

Type 1 diabetes requires constant attention—it doesn't go away during school hours. That's why it's essential that school staff, including teachers, bus drivers, and school health personnel, understand the needs of their students with type 1 diabetes to ensure that school is a safe and healthy environment.

 

More than 13,000 young people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year.¹ Because the disease is so common in young children, it's important that schools have at least some staff members who have a basic understanding of type 1 diabetes. Having a school worker on hand who knows how to check blood glucose, inject insulin, and choose an appropriate snack when blood glucose levels are low provides an enormous amount of security to parents.

 

Resources for Parents and School Staff
Children with type 1 diabetes rely on both parents and school officials to ensure that their condition is managed at school. That's a big responsibility for parents and school workers, but fortunately, there are resources available to help make your child's school conducive to managing type 1 diabetes.

• For parents, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) offer sample school type 1 diabetes care forms that alert the school to your child's condition and provide instructions on how the school should respond in an emergency situation.
• For school staff, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Helping the Student with Type 1 Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnelprovides a comprehensive overview of important considerations for schools that have students with type 1 diabetes.

Laws Protecting Your Child with Type 1 Diabetes
As a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, you should be aware of the federal laws that protect your child at school. Below are brief overviews of these laws. The descriptions also include links to connect you to more detailed information.

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA): Section 504 prohibits schools who receive federal funds from discriminating against people with disabilities. Title II of the ADA prohibits schools from discriminating against people with disabilities, regardless if the school receives federal funds. Students with diabetes have long been covered by both Section 504 and the ADA. For a more extensive overview of these laws, visit the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights website.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA provides funds to states to create special education services for children with eligible disabilities. Diabetes is one of the conditions listed under "other health impairment," and to qualify, a child's diabetes must negatively impact their academic performance to the point that he or she requires special education. For more information, visit the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services website.
• Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): FERPA prevents schools from releasing any personal information, including whether your child has diabetes, in your child's education record without the permission of a parent or student (if the student is 18 years or older).To learn more, visit the US Department of Education's Family Policy Compliance Office website.

Also note that specific states and individual school districts have laws and rules regarding a school's responsibility for its students with type 1 diabetes. Visit your state's education website and/or contact your school district to learn more about the laws and regulations that protect your child at school when he or she has type 1 diabetes. You can also contact your local ADA and JDRF offices for more information.

 

Source: http://www.endocrineweb.com/guides/type-1-children/managing-type-1-diabetes-school

 

 

How To Prevent Diabetes

While type 1 diabetes is not preventable, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day and healthy eating habits. Split moderate exercises up into 10 minute increments to help prevent diabetes with tips from a family nurse practitioner in this free video on diabetes prevention.

Source: Video: How to Prevent Diabetes | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/video_4774643_prevent-diabetes.html#ixzz2P1SKwyuf

 

How Do People Get Diabetes?

People get diabetes due to genetic factors and unhealthy behavior. Staying at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is one of the most important factors in preventing diabetes. Get information on how different types of diabetes develop from a family nurse practitioner in this free video on diabetes.

Source: Video: How Do People Get Diabetes? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/video_4774637_do-people-diabetes_.html#ixzz2P1Ti5vY5

Meal Planning for Children with Type 1 Diabetes

When you have a child with type 1 diabetes, it's easy to get carried away with the notion of a diabetic diet. But in reality, your child's dietary needs are no different from a child who doesn't have diabetes. Of course, there are certain considerations you need to be aware of, and understanding the carbohydrate content in food is arguably the most important. In this article, you will learn about the importance of carb counting, with a special emphasis on how fiber and sugar alcohols may also affect your child's blood glucose (blood sugar) levels.
 
Nutrition Basics
There's really no such thing as a diabetic diet. That's why you should focus instead on providing your child with balanced nutrition. A good nutritional resource to consult is the Food Pyramid. In recent years, the United States Department of Agriculture has made some updates to the standard Food Pyramid that most of us grew up knowing. Instead of being a set-in-stone guideline, now you can create personalized eating plans that are flexible and balanced. To refresh your memory on healthy eating, visit MyPyramid.gov.
 
There are 3 main nutrients in foods—fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. These essential nutrients affect blood glucose in different ways.

• Fats: Fat typically doesn't break down into sugar in your blood, and in small amounts, it doesn't affect your blood glucose levels. But fat does slow down digestion, and this can cause your blood glucose to rise slower than it normally would. After a high-fat meal, your child's blood glucose may be elevated up to 12 hours after the meal.
• Proteins: Protein doesn't affect blood glucose unless you eat more than your body needs. In most cases, you need only about 6 ounces or less (which is about the size of 2 decks of cards) at each meal.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates affect your blood glucose more than any other nutrient. All of the carbohydrates in food turn into sugar in the blood, and they get into the blood at a much quicker rate than fats and proteins. Carbs usually enter the blood stream an hour after consumption and are usually out of the blood stream in 2 hours. That's why you should check your child's blood glucose levels before he or she eats, and then again 2 hours later. Ideally, the measurement after the meal should be within 30-50 points of the pre-meal levels. If it's not, you will need to adjust the carb content of the meal or adjust your child's insulin dosage.

Carb Counting, Meal Plans, and Insulin Adjustment
For people with type 1 diabetes, knowing the amount of carbohydrates in the food you eat is essential. The reason carb counting is so important is that the amount of carbohydrates in your child's meals determines his or her insulin dosage. Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all insulin regimen doesn't exist. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for your child. To learn more, read our Patients' Guide to Insulin.

It's fairly easy to determine the total amount of carbohydrates in the food your child eats. All packaged foods contain a Nutrition Facts label, and that contains the total carbohydrates in each serving size. If the food doesn't have a label, your dietitian can give you resources that contain the carbohydrate count of common foods.

Everyone responds differently to carbohydrates. That's why working with a registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator (CDE) is so important. He or she will develop a balanced meal plan especially for your child that is based on your child's food preferences, nutritional needs, and medication (some insulin medications require that you eat a set number of carbohydrates in each meal, while others allow for more flexibility). The meal plan will contain the right amount of carbohydrates for your child.

Meal plans aren't strict in the sense that they outline specific foods to eat at any given meal; rather, they help you pick from specific food groups. This will help you manage the amount of carbohydrates in each meal, while still offering your child a balanced selection of food. Meal plans are also flexible in that they can accommodate to special events, such as birthday parties.

For healthy growth, it is important that your child follows his or her meal plan. Not only should your child eat from the food groups outlined in the plan, but he or she should also eat them at a specific time. Eating meals and scheduling insulin injections at the same time every day helps prevent blood glucose levels from getting out of control. Parents with younger children may find this aspect of type 1 diabetes management somewhat easier than parents who have teenagers. Not only are teens busier with activities and social schedules, but they are also transitioning to managing their diabetes without the help of their parents.

Fiber and the Type 1 Diabetes Diet
Fiber is important to any diet. Found primarily in fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, fiber may reduce blood cholesterol, aid in weight management, and improve blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar. When it comes to fitting fiber into your child's type 1 diabetes meal plan, you need to understand how fiber affects a food's true carbohydrate count. Fortunately, it's a very simple formula.

If the food contains at least 5 grams of dietary fiber, simply subtract half the grams of dietary fiber from the total carbohydrate grams (you can easily find this information on the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods). The total equals the net carbohydrate count in the food. For example, if a food contains 10 grams of total carbohydrates and 5 grams of dietary fiber, the amount of carbs that will affect your child's blood glucose is 7.5 grams.

Dietary fiber may have less impact on blood glucose since it is not absorbed 100% and releases glucose into the cells more slowly. The American Diabetes Association recommends that if a food has more than 5 grams of fiber per serving, you can subtract the amount of dietary fiber from the total carbohydrate. However, synthetic forms of fiber are being added to many processed foods, which may not provide the same benefit as natural foods. You may want to initially subtract only half of the fiber and check your glucose level after meals containing high-fiber foods.
 
A Special Note about Sugar Alcohols
Foods with sugar alcohols (sorbitol, isomalt, xylitol, etc.) on the ingredient list are popular with people with diabetes. Many sugar-free products, such as candies, chewing gums, and dessert items, contain sugar alcohols.
Sugar alcohols are artificial sweeteners. Unlike regular sugar, sugar alcohols don't need insulin to be metabolized and won't cause your blood glucose to spike. They also contain fewer calories than pure sugar.

Products made with sugar alcohols are often geared toward people with diabetes, but understand that these foods should be eaten in moderation. When consumed in controlled amounts, sugar alcohols won't cause blood glucose to rise. But if eaten in excess, these products will raise blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes. It's also important to remember that foods made with sugar alcohols still contain carbohydrates. Always make sure to check the total carbohydrates listed on the Nutrition Facts. This will help you better understand how to fit them into your child's meal plan.

Source: http://www.endocrineweb.com/guides/type-1-children/meal-planning-children-type-1-diabetes



Diabetic Pantry: Foods to Stock Up On

Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, being committed to incorporating healthy, nutritious foods on a daily basis can help you manage your diabetes. One of the most crucial things you can do to eat well with diabetes is to keep a well-stocked pantry. That way, you're prepared to cook healthy meals.

 

Shop for fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, lean meats, and low-fat dairy, and then prepare diabetic-friendly recipes using food staples in your pantry.

Below is an extensive list of suggested food items you can keep on hand when cooking and eating to help manage diabetes.

 

Vinegar

• Balsamic
• Cider
• Fruit-infused
• Herb-infused
• Malt
• Red wine
• Rice wine
• Sherry
• White wine

Cooking Sprays

• Available in aerosol and refrigerated pumps
• Also available in a variety of flavors, including butter, olive oil, and vegetable sprays

Oils

• Canola
• Olive
• Safflower
• Sesame
• Not necessary, but these are good for added flavor: almond, avocado, grapeseed, hazelnut, peanut, and walnut oils

Grains

• Couscous
• Instant polenta
• Kasha
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Rice: white, basmati, brown, quick-cooking, and wild
• Rolled oats
• Stone-ground yellow and white cornmeal

Dried Beans and Legumes

• Black beans
• Black-eyed peas
• Cannellini
• Chickpeas
• Lentils: brown and red
• Navy
• Pinto
• White beans

Pasta

• Angel hair
• Bow ties (farfalle)
• Lasagna
• Linguine
• Penne
• Rotelle
• Spaghetti
• Ziti

Baking Needs

• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Baker's spray (combined with flour)
• Brown sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Cornstarch
• Cream of tarter
• Cry bread crumbs (unseasoned)
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Honey
• Non-fat pancake mix
• Salt and kosher salt
• Sugar
• Sugar substitutes (capable of retaining sweetness during extended heat)
• Unbleached all-purpose flour
• Vanilla extract

Canned and Packages Goods

• Black beans
• Canned pumpkin
• Cannellini beans
• Capers
• Chickpeas
• Cognac for cooking
• Dried chiles
• Dried mushrooms
• Dry red and white wine for cooking
• Dry roasted peanuts
• Dry sherry for cooking
• Evaporated skim milk
• Fat-free no-salt-added chicken and vegetable broth
• Garlic sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Hot pepper sauces
• Natural peanut butter
• Navy beans
• No-salt-added canned tomatoes
• No-salt-added tomato paste
• No-sugar added dried fruits
• No-sugar-added fruit spread
• Pinto beans
• Powdered buttermilk
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce
• Regular and coarse ground Dijon mustard
• Rum for cooking
• Sun-dried tomatoes (dry-packed)
• Tequila for cooking
• Unsweetened fruit juices
• White beans
• Worcestershire sauce

Dried Herbs and Spices

• Basil
• Bay leaves
• Caraway seed
• Celery seed
• Chili powder
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Curry powder
• Dill
• Dry mustard
• Fennel seed
• Fines herbes
• Ground allspice
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cumin
• Ground ginger
• Marjoram
• Paprika
• Peppercorns
• Poppy seeds
• Rosemary
• Saffron
• Sage
• Savory
• Sesame seeds
• Thyme

In the Freezer

• Bread dough
• Filo dough
• Frozen no-sugar-added fruits and berries
• Frozen vegetable
• Multi-grain breads and rolls, including pita bread
• Nuts
• Puff pastry dough
• Reduced-calorie margarine
• Unsalted butter

In the Refrigerator

• Anchovy paste in a tube
• Dill pickles
• Egg substitute
• Eggs
• Fat-free cream cheese
• Fat-free mozzarella cheese
• Fat-free ricotta cheese
• Fat-free sour cream
• Fresh ginger
• Fresh herbs and parsley
• Fresh vegetables in season
• Garlic
• Lemons
• Limes
• Onions: white, yellow, sweet (seasonal), and red
• Oranges
• Other fresh fruit in season
• Part-skim Parmesan cheese
• Potatoes: red, Russet, and Yukon Gold; sweet potatoes
• Reduced-fat tub margarine
• Salad
• Scallions
• Shallots
• Skim milk
• Tomato paste in a tube

These foods are suggestions to keep a well-stocked pantry—and kitchen—and whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, they can help you plan your meals.

 

Source:http://www.diabeticlifestyle.com/eating-well/diabetic-pantry-foods-stock

Nutrition Guidelines for Kids with Diabetes

Below are the following nutrition guidelines as of 2000 for children age 3 and older based on the United States Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid.

• 6 to 11 servings per day from the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta food group
  1 serving = 1 slice of bread, 1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta, 1 ounce cold cereal, 1/2 bagel, or 1/2 English muffin
 
• 3 to 5 servings per day from the vegetable group
  1 serving = 1/2 cup raw or cooked chopped vegetables or 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
 
• 2 to 4 servings per day from the fruit group
  1 serving = 1 piece of medium-size fruit, 1/2 cup no sugar added canned fruit, or 1/2 cup no sugar added fruit juice
 
• 2 to 3 servings per day from the milk group
  1 serving = 1 cup milk (check with your child's doctor whether this should be regular milk, 2% fat, 1% fat, or non-fat milk), 1 cup low-fat yogurt, or 1 1/2 to 2 ounces cheese
 
• 2 to 3 servings of protein: meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
  1 serving = 2 to 3 ounces of lean meat, poultry, or fish; 1/2 cup cooked beans or lentils; 1 egg, or 2 tablespoons peanut butter
 
• fats, oils, and sweets to be eaten sparingly
  aim for a daily total intake of 30% or less total calories from fat, 10% or less of which may be saturated fat

Sugars, including honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, etc, should be restricted to 1 teaspoon sugar per serving and eaten only occasionally as they are often accompanied by fat and don't provide vitamins and minerals.

 

To find out more information about suggested servings sizes for kids with diabetes, talk to your child's registered dietitian. Monitoring what your child eats along with managing his or her blood glucose levels can help your child establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

 

Source: http://www.diabeticlifestyle.com/eating-well/diabetes-friendly-recipes-kids-comfort-foods

 



Op-Ed: It's Time to Finally Kick Junk Food Out of Schools

I’m sure you’ve seen the statistics. Nearly one in three kids and teens are now overweight or obese—that’s about 23 million—putting them at greater risk for health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and even some cancers. Rates are even higher in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, as more than 39 percent of Latino and African American children and teens are overweight or obese.

For the first time in American history, the current generation of kids might not live longer than their parents’ generation.

Fortunately, hundreds of thousands of people across the country are stepping up to the plate when it comes to improving the future for these kids. Now you have a chance to do the same.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently proposed nutritional guidelines that would make sure schools sell only healthy snacks and drinks to students during the school day. This is a vital part of the effort to help young people eat healthier, as students consume 35-50 percent of their daily calories at school.

The USDA already is working to improve the nutritional quality of school meals, which is good news.

But the agency hasn’t updated its guidelines for food sold outside of meals since 1979. That means that schools have been able to sell everything from candy to potato chips to sugary drinks.

These foods and drinks are a big part of what kids eat, too—nearly 40 percent of students buy a snack at school every day. Even kids who eat a healthy lunch might still consume excess calories by buying a side of french fries. Other youngsters might skip the healthy meal and just grab an a la carte item in the cafeteria to eat, such as a slice of pizza.

The proposed guidelines would make sure all snacks and beverages are nutritious, whether they are sold as a la carte items in the cafeteria, in vending machines or in student stores.

Some states already have implemented strong nutritional guidelines for school snacks, and studies show that these efforts can help to prevent weight gain. For example, a 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children and teens in states with strong laws restricting the sale of unhealthy snack food and drinks gained less weight over a three-year period than those living in states without such a policy. In addition, students who were overweight or obese in fifth grade were less likely to be by the time they reached eighth grade if they lived in a state with strong school snack laws.

Isn’t it time that all kids across the country grow up attending schools that offer only healthy snacks and drinks? Tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture that you support strong nutritional guidelines for snacks and drinks sold at school.

Takepart.com – Fri, Mar 29, 2013

Vitamin D may cut diabetes risk in obese kids and teens

Washington, Mar. 27 (ANI): Researchers have found that vitamin D supplements can help obese children and adolescents control their blood-sugar levels, which may help them stay clear of the disease.

Being obese puts individuals at greater risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

"By increasing vitamin D intake alone, we got a response that was nearly as powerful as what we have seen using a prescription drug," Catherine Peterson, an associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at MU, said.

"We saw a decrease in insulin levels, which means better glucose control, despite no changes in body weight, dietary intake or physical activity," he said.

Peterson and her colleagues studied 35 pre-diabetic obese children and adolescents who were undergoing treatment in the MU Adolescent Diabetic Obesity Program.

All study participants insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels and had similar diets and activity levels.

They randomly were assigned either a high-dose vitamin D supplement or a placebo that they took daily for six months. Those who took the supplement became vitamin D sufficient and lowered the amount of insulin in their blood.

Adding vitamin D supplements to their diets may be an effective addition to treating obesity and its associated insulin resistance," Peterson said.

The study has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. (ANI)

By ANI | ANI – Wed 27 Mar, 2013

 

 

Restaurant meals for kids fail nutrition test: consumer group

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The menus offered to children by most U.S. restaurant chains have too many calories, too much salt or fat, and often not a hint of vegetables or fruit, according to a study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

The group, which has agitated for everything from healthier popcorn at the movies to calorie labeling in supermarkets, found that among almost 3,500 combinations surveyed, kids' meals failed to meet nutritional standards 97 percent of the time.

That was a marginal improvement over 2008 when such meals failed to meet standards 99 percent of the time.

Every children's meal offered at popular chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dairy Queen, Hardee's, McDonald's, Panda Express, Perkins Family Restaurants and Popeyes fell short of standards adopted by the center from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutritional recommendations.

The meals also fell short of standards set by the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell Program, said the CSPI, which titled its study, "Kids' Meals: Obesity on the Menu."

"Most chains seem stuck in a time warp, serving up the same old meals based on chicken nuggets, burgers, macaroni and cheese, fries, and soda," said Margo Wootan, CSPI nutrition policy director. "It's like the restaurant industry didn't get the memo that there's a childhood obesity crisis."

Among the meals singled out was Applebees' grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough bread, fries and two percent chocolate milk, which has 1,210 calories, 62 grams of fat and 2,340 milligrams of sodium.

The combo meal had nearly three times as many calories as the CSPI's criteria for four- to- eight-year-olds suggest.

At Ruby Tuesday, the macaroni and cheese, white cheddar mashed potatoes and fruit punch combo has 870 calories, 46 grams of fat and 1700 milligrams of sodium, said Wootan.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that children eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt each day to avoid high blood pressure, which can lead to coronary disease, stroke and other ailments.

Being overweight as a child leaves a person vulnerable to heart disease, diabetes and a shortened life span. About one-third of American children are now considered overweight and 17 percent are considered obese, according to USDA's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The CSPI cited Subway restaurants' Fresh Fit For Kids meal combinations as exceptions to the salty, fatty norm.

Subway serves apple slices with its kid-sized sub sandwiches and offers low-fat milk or bottled water instead of soda. All eight of its children's meals met CSPI's nutrition criteria.

A few other establishments have begun to offer side dishes beyond French fries. In fact, every child's meal at Longhorn Steakhouse now comes with fruit or a vegetable.

"More chains are adding fruit, like apple slices, to their menus, but practically every chain could be adding more vegetable and whole grain options," said Ameena Batada, an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina Asheville.

Labeling can be a potent tool. The report cited two studies that indicated customers who are provided with calorie counts on the menu sometimes gravitate toward healthier choices.

To produce its study, the CSPI looked at 50 top U.S. chain restaurants, finding 34 of them had meals designed for children and were willing to provide nutritional data. It analyzed those meals and meal combinations.

By Diane Bartz | Reuters – Thu, Mar 28, 2013