Protect Your Child From Diabetes with 4 Easy Steps

Diabetes was once thought to be mainly an adult issue, but in recent years more children have been diagnosed and are struggling with the potentially life-threatening complications of diabetes such as heart disease, kidney damage and blindness. There has been a 176% increase in hospitalizations in children due to diabetes over the last few years and a new study in the Lancet states that children develop complications more quickly from diabetes as compared to adults. Once diagnosed it can mean lots of medications, lifestyle changes and doctors visits, that’s why it is much better to implement some very simple changes that can help your child avoid the disease all together.

One of the most common dietary related factors leading to diabetes is chromium deficiency, which is widespread throughout the United States. Chromium is part of the glucose tolerance factor and functions as a “helper” in all insulin-regulating activities. Foods that are high in chromium should be eaten frequently; these include broccoli, potatoes, orange juice and whole wheat. Chromium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is very low so taking vitami
C (found in fruits and vegetables) and B vitamins will greatly increase the absorption. These extra vitamins and minerals can easily be found in a good multi-vitamin (of course make sure it contains chromium). Contact your local pediatrician for their recommendation of a multi-vitamin.

Smoked and cured meats have also been associated with the development of diabetes. Streptozotocin is a compound used in the laboratory to induce diabetes in rats. It is similar in structure and function to N-nitroso-compounds that are found in smoked and/or cured meats such as bacon, ham and smoked salmon. Eliminate these nitrate compounds from your diet by going to your local deli and ask for nitrate free meats. Boar’s Head is a common and popular brand that produces nitrate free meats.

Many scientists believe the early introduction of cow’s milk, before 4 months of age, can trigger an autoimmunity process, leading to the development of diabetes. A recent study showed that children exposed to cow’s milk before the age of 4 months were 1.5 times more likely to develop diabetes than those children who were not. Also children diagnosed with diabetes were more likely to have been breast fed for less than three months. Please make sure to avoid giving your child cow’s milk (even in ice cream and other products) until the appropriate age.

Of course the most important preventative measure is to make sure your child gets plenty of exercise, which helps maintain normal blood sugars. The American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Most parents think this occurs at school during recess, but more and more schools are limiting this free play time. The best way for your child to get this required exercise, is for you as parents to set the example. Find ways to go outside with your kids and take walks, limit the time your child is allowed to watch TV or play video games, or enroll your child in a sport they choose and support them. You’ll be surprised how easy it really is for your kids to meet the required daily exercise if you set some simple guidelines for them.