Summer Activities: Tips for Parents of Children with Diabetes

The summer months mean longer days, increased activity and schedule changes for children.

The summer months mean longer days, increased activity and schedule changes for children. With this in mind, parents of children with diabetes should consider adjusting their activities accordingly to keep their children active, healthy and safe during the summer months.

“Before summer approaches, it is important for parents to contact their child’s healthcare professional to properly plan for daily routine modifications that occur,” says Dr. Charles Clark, M.D., diabetes education consultant for Roche Diagnostics. “Structure and planning is critical for diabetic children. Parents must pay close attention to their blood sugar levels and dietary changes.”

The following are some simple, helpful tips from Dr. Clark to help make your family’s summer months more enjoyable and worry free!

* Start now! Consult your medical team

As schedules change, activity levels increase and sleep patterns change. It is important to have a modified diabetes management plan in place to reflect those changes.

* Closely monitor blood sugar levels

According to the American Diabetes Association, increased activity can lower blood sugar levels because exercise helps the body use glucose.You may need to adjust your child’s insulin intake to keep blood glucose levels balanced and within a healthy range.

* Adjust your child’s diet accordingly

As schedules change and activities increase, children may need to eat more or less often to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. More time spent running around outside and playing in the sun may mean that your child needs to adjust his or her calorie intake. Increased snacks may be necessary.

* Keep your child hydrated

Be cautious and make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids. The combination of constant activity and warm weather can play a major role in regulating blood sugar levels, and proper intake of fluids under these conditions is important.

* Inform others

If your child plans to attend a summer camp or go on a trip to visit friends or family, be sure to inform those who will be spending time with your child of all necessary information. Provide them with a management plan and all supplies they might need.

For more information, please visit: accu-chek.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information, please contact Lori LeRoy, Roche Diagnostics at (317) 521-7159 or lori.leroy@roche.com, or Tracy Bone, Porter Novelli (312) 856-8814 or tracy.bone@porternovelli.com.