Activity for your child with diabetes
Physical activity is good for your child. When your child has diabetes, being active can help him/her manage his/her blood sugar. All types of physical activity use energy so it doesn’t matter whether your child is swimming, playing kickball or riding his/her bike. The important thing is to find activities that your child loves to do.
Don’t Forget being active can lower your child’s blood sugar, so ask your child to be safe when he/she plays. Check your child’s blood sugar levels before and after exercise so you can change your child’s food or insulin plan if necessary.
Tips for Playing Safe:
Tell your child’s coach or teacher that your child has diabetes so you and your child can teach them how to spot the signs of low blood sugar.
Make sure your child wears his/her medic alert bracelet
Your child and his/her coach should have fast-acting sugar handy just in case your child’s blood sugar gets low. Good options include:
- 3-4 glucose tablets
- 4 ounces of fruit juice
- Glucose gel or a small tube of icing