For those living with diabetes, getting blood sugars under control isn't alwasy easy. It can be especially difficult for young people who are trying to deal with diabetes and participate in sports and activities. But with help it can be managed.
Thursday morning on KARE 11 First Edition, Park Nicollet's Dr. Amy Criego talked about diabetes, young people and sports.
Dr. Criego says one might think participating in sports would make it easier to cope with diabetes. After all, exercise is an essential part of controlling diabetes. But research shows blood sugar actually increases during intense exercise, which means controlling diabetes in athletes is even more complicated. Find out how extra care and monitoring is needed for student athletes with diabetes.
Dr. Criego recommends using support groups. Don't underestimate the importance of a good support structure when dealing with kids and diabetes. Park Nicollet offers a free diabetes support group for children ages 6 to 12 where kids get together and engage in fun and educational activities. It's a unique opportunity for young people to learn coping skills from each other.
And lastly, Dr. Criego says parents need make sure caregivers are aware that their child is diabetic. Diabetes is difficult to deal with at any age. But imagine dropping off your pre-school age child with a care-giver who doesn't know much about type 1 diabetes. Parents need peace-of-mind that their child is safe in the hands of a day care provider who's educated about diabetes. Park Nicollet provides daycares and pre-schools with diabetes information on how to test blood sugars, how to administer insulin and how to make sure kids eat right in a way that matches the developmental level of a child.
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