A balanced diet and an active lifestyle are important for all
kids, so that they can maintain a healthy weight. But for kids with
diabetes, those things are even more crucial. That's because
weight can influence diabetes, and diabetes can influence a
person's weight.
Weight issues can affect kids and teens who have type 1 or type
2 diabetes.
Weight and Type 1 Diabetes
If it's undiagnosed or untreated,
type 1 diabetes
can make people lose weight. In type 1 diabetes, the body stops
producing the hormone
insulin
, which is needed to use
glucose
, the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose comes from the foods
we eat and is the major source of energy needed to fuel the
body's functions. Because the body can't use glucose
properly, it flushes the glucose (and the calories) out of the body
in urine. As a result, a child who develops type 1 diabetes can
lose weight, despite having a normal or increased appetite. Once a
kid or teen with type 1 diabetes is diagnosed and treated, his or
her weight usually returns to normal.
Excess body weight can occasionally be a problem for people with
type 1 diabetes as well. Some children with type 1 diabetes are
overweight before they develop the disease. And some kids with type
1 diabetes may become overweight after diagnosis if they don't
maintain healthy eating and exercise habits. Developing type 1
diabetes isn't related to being overweight, but because lots of
body fat can make it harder for a child's body to use insulin
properly, overweight children with type 1 diabetes can also have
trouble controlling their
blood sugar levels
.
Weight and Type 2 Diabetes
Most people are overweight when they're diagnosed with
type 2 diabetes
. Being overweight or obese increases a person's risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. If a person who already has type 2
diabetes gains weight, then it will be even harder for him or her
to control his or her blood sugar level.
People with type 2 diabetes have a condition called
insulin resistance
. People with insulin resistance are able to make insulin, but the
body can't use it properly to move glucose into the cells. As a
result, the amount of glucose in the blood rises. The pancreas then
makes more insulin to try to overcome the problem. Eventually, the
pancreas can wear out from working overtime and may no longer be
able to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels within
a normal range.
People with insulin resistance are often overweight and
don't exercise very much. But weight loss, eating healthier
foods and portion sizes, and getting exercise can actually reverse
insulin resistance. For people with type 2 diabetes, reversing
insulin resistance makes it easier to reach target blood sugar
levels, and, in some cases, the body's ability to control blood
sugar may even return to normal.
People who don't have diabetes can have insulin resistance,
but they are at a higher risk for developing the disease. For
overweight people without type 2 diabetes, losing weight and
exercising can cut their risk of developing the disease.
Helping Your Child Get to a Healthy Weight
Being at a
healthy weight
is good for everyone - parents included! When kids with diabetes
reach and maintain a healthy weight, they feel better and have more
energy. Their diabetes symptoms may diminish, their blood sugar
levels may be easier to control, and they may be less likely to
develop complications from diabetes, like heart disease.
A doctor can judge whether a person's weight is healthy by
using the
body mass index
(BMI). Your child's doctor may recommend that your child lose
weight to control diabetes, in which case a weight management plan
may be prescribed. Even if your child's BMI is in the healthy
range, the doctor can help you create a meal and exercise plan for
your child.
Your emotional support can be an important part of helping your
child get to a healthy weight. Overweight kids can have low
self-esteem
or feel guilty about having diabetes. Try to stay positive.
Don't talk about feeling "fat" or "thin" -
talk about being "healthy." Help your child understand
that all healthy people need to actively manage their weight - even
you. And remember that your child picks up your attitudes about
weight and eating - after all, you buy the food and cook the meals.
By buying healthy foods and cooking healthy meals for your child,
you can provide the tools that your child needs to get to a healthy
weight.
Being a good role model for your child is also important. If you
are overweight, talk to your own doctor about beginning a weight
management program so you can set a good example for your
child.
Your child's diabetes meal plan already helps guide what
your child eats, so reaching a healthy weight may simply mean
adding more physical activity to your child's well-balanced
diet. Getting more exercise will make your child feel better and
help with diabetes and weight control, so be sure to encourage your
child to get moving every day.
Weight Control Challenges
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge for
some kids and teens, just as it can be for adults. Here are some
common problems to watch for and discuss with your child's
doctor:
-
Oversnacking.
Some kids with diabetes eat too many snacks because they or their
parents are very fearful of
hypoglycemia
, or low blood sugar. If you have any questions about the types
of snacks your child should be eating and when, talk to your
child's doctor or registered dietitian. Also, discuss the
importance of following the diabetes meal plan the doctor has
provided with your child. To keep tabs on oversnacking, be aware
of the snacks in your home and how quickly they're being
eaten.
-
Sneaking snacks.
Kids or teens may sneak the candy or sweets that they're
supposed to eat in moderation. This can result in elevated blood
sugar levels. Parents may not know about the sneaked snacks and
may then respond to the child's elevated blood sugar by
giving the child higher doses of insulin. This cycle can lead to
excessive weight gain. Be sure your child understands why
it's important to follow the meal plan, and ask questions if
your child's blood sugar levels seem unexplainably high.
-
Extreme dieting.
Some kids with diabetes - especially teens - may try to lose
weight with fad diets, starvation diets, or other extreme
measures. These methods aren't good for anyone, but
they're especially unhealthy for people with diabetes because
they throw blood sugar levels off track.
-
Skipping insulin.
Teen girls, in particular, sometimes skip insulin injections to
lose weight. Talk to your child about why this is a dangerous
tactic - it can lead to very high blood sugar levels and even
diabetic
ketoacidosis
. Teens who do this may need counseling from a mental health
professional to address an eating disorder or other body image or
emotional problem.
If you and your child follow the doctor's advice about food
and exercise, your child will be able to reach and maintain a
healthy weight. Kids who reach a healthy weight feel better and
find that diabetes management is easier. They feel like they're
more in control of their diabetes, their bodies, and their health.
If either of you needs help along the way, just ask - your diabetes
health care team can offer tips and advice on coping with weight
control challenges.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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