• Follow a healthy meal plan:

Young people with diabetes need to follow a meal plan developed by a registered dietitian, diabetes educator, or physician. For children with diabetes, the meal plan should outline appropriate changes in eating habits that lead to better energy balance and reduce or prevent obesity. A meal plan also helps keep blood glucose levels in the target range. Portion sizes, the right amount of calories for the child's age, and ideas for healthy food choices at meal and snack time also should be discussed including reduction in soda and juice consumption. Setting up regular family meal times is a key to success as well.

• Encourage physical activity:

Children with diabetes need regular physical activity, ideally a total of 60 minutes each day. Physical activity helps to lower blood glucose levels. Physical activity is also a good way to help children control their weight. If possible, a child or teen should check blood glucose levels before beginning a game or a sport. If blood glucose levels are too low, the child should not be physically active until the low blood glucose level has been treated.

• Check blood glucose levels regularly:

Young people with diabetes should know the acceptable range for their blood glucose. Children, particularly those using insulin should check blood glucose values regularly with a blood glucose meter, preferably one with a built-in memory.

Additional Resources:

http://www.joslin.org/info/10_tips_for_managing_your_childs_diabetes.html

http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/Youth_Tips_Active.pdf

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/planet-d/new-to-diabetes/my-ada.html

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/support-for-your-family.html