Physical Activity For Children With Diabetes: Do’s And Dont’s

By Author: Sushrut Ayurved
Total Articles: 12
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Exercise and physical activity or playing is an important part of any child’s growing up years having tremendous health, psychological and social benefits. This is true even for children diagnosed with diabetes. In fact building a routine that involves regular physical activity can be especially beneficial to them with long term rewards and can help with improving diabetes control while making them feel like they are not too different from any other child.

However any physical activity for children with diabetes, especially those with Type 1 DM, can be challenging to manage because of the imminent danger of hypoglycemia and associated complications. It is therefore important that parents and caregivers for such children develop a plan on how they can include physical activity in their daily routine.

Include your doctor and /or healthcare provider in the process. They will help you identify which activities will be beneficial, and when and how much of exercise you should go for.
Blood glucose levels will fluctuate depending on the time of day and type of activity, so careful monitoring is required. Measure ...
... sugar levels before, during and after playing or exercising to identify the best food/insulin requirements. Since every child will have a different response, you will need to calibrate this individually and plan accordingly.
Always keep plenty of snacks with you, to prevent hypoglycemia and if needed to take care of hypoglycemia. Also drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
If your child takes insulin, the doctor might change the dosage and timing according to the exercise regimen. Don’t give the injection in a part that will get most used in the activity so that the insulin doesn’t get all used up quickly causing hypoglycemia.
Check for ketone levels and avoid vigorous exercise if they are high.
Always keep coaches, teachers and friends in the loop about your child’s health and get them on board with the process. Notify them that your child might have to take breaks in between to eat something and/or manage their sugar levels. Give them written instructions on what to do in case of any problems.

Exercise is all the more important for children with diabetes. Ensure your child does not miss out for lack of proper planning.