March/April 2024 HAWAII PARENT 139 While the exact cause of Type 2 diabetes is unknown, with family history and genetics appearing to play a role, a healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including “weight management, healthy diet and exercise,” Diep explains. The following are few healthy family habits that are recommended by the CDC to help mitigate the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes. Drink more water and less sugary drinks. “Sodas and juices play a big role in extra sugars in children’s diets, so limiting these are very important,” Diep expands. Eat more fruits and vegetable. As a bonus, how about bananas, apples, raspberries or cucumbers as favorite, go-to foods? Choose healthy foods and meals together. “Shopping together for healthy food options (is good), but also allow (children) to have a ‘cheat’ day every now and then, so that the kids are not completely cutting anything out,” Diep recommends. Eat at the table with smaller portions. Note that eating slowly is also important, as the CDC says it takes at least 20 minutes to start feeling full. And, kids can always ask for seconds if they still feel hungry. Do at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. This can be split up into smaller timeframes and can include scheduled activities like fitness classes and sports teams or hiking, biking and walking – or even vacuuming, gardening and raking leaves. Diabetes does not have to be debilitating. Knowing more about the disease, aiming to live a healthy lifestyle and having an encouraging team – like parents and pediatricians – can make diabetes manageable. Dr. Diep can be reached at 808-9459955 or pediatrics@doctordiep.com. age diabetes, which “gets easier with time and experience,” says the CDC. First, the CDC suggests learning everything you can about diabetes: treatment options (types of insulin and insulin devices), blood sugar highs and lows, carb counting, ketones, sick days, diabetes at school and when to see a doctor. Books, other parents, online forums, and, of course, your child’s pediatrician and healthcare team are essential educational resources. “It is very important for the child, especially as they get older, to be involved in their own care such as injecting their own insulin and understanding the importance of sticking to their diet,” Diep adds. Next, the CDC says to expect changes. New activities, a growing body, the start to the school year: These are all factors that can impact a child’s diabetes management. Another change to expect is how insulin is delivered. The CDC expands, “A diabetes education and care specialist can help you understand the pros and cons of different devices and which options may make the most sense for your child.” Third, the CDC says it’s important to stay connected and communicate with your child and your health care team. The CDC notes, “Sometimes the pressures and demands of managing a longterm condition like diabetes can seem like too much, a state known as diabetes distress or burnout. Any changes in your child’s behavior or trouble sticking to their treatment plan… can signal distress or another emotional problem. Get in touch with your child’s health care team, who can connect you with a mental health counselor or other support if needed.” What are the top tips for promoting a healthy lifestyle and helping to mitigate the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes? “Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to control its blood sugar (glucose).”
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