Diabetes and Diet

Diabetes is growing by 3 percent each year for children and youth

November 14 is celebrated each year as Children’s Day and World Diabetes Day. This year the theme is “Diabetes in children and youth”. Let me take this opportunity to write about diabetes in children.

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that affect children. It can strike children of any age, even toddlers and babies. If not detected during early childhood, the disease can have deadly consequences or result in serious damage to the brain. Diabetic child is often completely overlooked. This is the time miss-diagnosed as flu or doctors fail to diagnose it at all. Every parent, teacher, doctor involved in child care should be familiar with the warning signs and be alert to the threat.

The warning signs are Frequent urination, Excessive thirst, Increased hunger, Weight, Fatigue, Lack of interest and concentration, Blurred vision, Vomiting and abdominal pain (often mistaken as the flu).

In children with type 2 diabetes, the symptoms may be moderate or not. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes: Diabetes occurs as a result of problems in production and supply of the hormone insulin in the body. The body needs insulin to use energy that is stored in food. When a person has diabetes their body cannot create insulin (Type 1diabetes) or their bodies cannot use the insulin made effectively (type 2diabetes).

Type 1 diabetes is most common type of diabetes in children. However, as a result of increasing childhood obesity and always lifestyles, type 2 diabetes is also increasing rapidly in children and youth. In some countries type 2diabetes has become the most common type of disease in children.

Type 2 diabetes in children is probably under-diagnosed because it may have no symptoms. To prevent Type 2 diabetes in children, emphasis should be laid on physical activity, less frequent activities such as television and views of a healthy diet. If diabetes is diagnosed, paying close attention to all cardiovascular risk factors, as well as prevention is important. We need to fit in the modern industrial city on a healthy way. Diabetes is a serious health problem and expensive and there is much that can do to reduce its impact. The earliest description of diabetes from the Philippines to 2,500 years ago and the role of obesity, frequent behaviour and dietary factors are known in ancient times. What is needed now is concerted public health action against the risk factors for diabetes.

We can do our bit to prevent diabetes and other diseases. Food for children with diabetes is a minor consideration. A dietician will be able to tell you more but it is certain essential that your child has a healthy, balanced diet, high in complex carbohydrates and fibre. It is necessary to be careful Sweets but it need not be 100 per cent from the menu. Some of the foods planning of goals for children with diabetes are the same as for other children. They must eat food that will help them have good general health, normal growth and a healthy weight. But children with diabetes also have to balance their carbohydrate intake with their insulin and activity levels to maintain their levels of blood sugar under control. In addition, children with diabetes should also eat foods that help maintain the level of lipids or fats in the blood (such as Cholesterol and triglycerides) in a healthy range. Food this way may help prevent some of the long-term health problem that can cause diabetes. These days, with huge amounts of food choices, we need to teach them to read the labels of food, especially the carbohydrate content. They must understand the serving size and how to change one food for another.

Children with diabetes face the same challenges of food everyone – largely sticking to healthy eating habits over time. It can be difficult with so many temptations, so it is important to prepare food that your child enjoys. The food may make you plan vary depending on your child’s diabetes, but to help your child Dietician, you can tailor meals to planning your child’s food preferences and eating habits

maxilolee
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/diabetes-in-children-and-youth-671923.html

Diabetes is the inability to transfer sugars in blood into the sugar-storage sites of your body, the muscles and liver. Sugars, called carbohydrates, are found mainly in cereals, rice, bread, pastas, potatoes, milk products, fruits, fruit juices and sweets. When we consume these foods, they pass from the stomach into the intestines and get broken down to the most basic sugar form, glucose. Glucose (sugar) normally moves into the blood via a web of blood vessels that are connected to the intestines. When the movement of glucose into the blood stream raises its average level above 100 points (mg/dl), it triggers the secretion of a hormone called insulin from the pancreas. When insulin is secreted into the blood, it causes the excess glucose (sugar) to be stored in muscles and liver cells. It is stored in a form called glycogen, which may be used at a later time as an immediate source of energy.

This energy is used for activities of up to three minutes: lifting or throwing an object, running away from danger, sprinting, stop-and-go actions such as a short walk, or any sports activity. Some people have impairment in their insulin production or in the functioning of their insulin. This insulin impairment causes the level of glucose to rapidly rise above the 100-point mark, and that is the condition we call diabetes. High sugar levels, left untreated, can gradually cause damage to vital tissues, such as blood vessels, the nervous system, kidneys, heart and arteries. This can cause debilitating strokes, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, loss of sensation or pain in the feet and hands, leading to leg amputations, kidney failure and blindness.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is when someone can produce little or no insulin, due mainly to immune and genetic (inherited) defects in the pancreas. People with Type 1 Diabetes create approximately only 10% of all of people diagnosed with diabetes. Type 1 can occur at a relatively young age, especially during childhood. At the time of diagnosis, people are usually of average weight, experiencing weight loss; frequent urination, blurred vision and dry mouth and their blood fasting sugar are way above 125 points (mg/dl). Type 1 diabetics have to depend on insulin use for the rest of their lives, in order to survive and making good lifestyle choices is integral to diabetes control. Oral Diabetes medications that are Sensitizers (see detailed discussion of this group of drugs in Action Step 2 right after the Insulin section) can be prescribed along with Insulin for people with Type 1 which can help reduce the amount of daily insulin used. Also leading and maintaining an active Lifestyle and making favorable food choices and raising your fiber intake can all help bring Diabetes under control and reduce the amount of total daily insulin dose (decisions about insulin dosing can ONLY be made by your doctor). Refer to Action Step 4 for a detailed discussion on how to start and maintain an active Lifestyle and make favorable food choices.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Pre-diabetes

This is a condition where glucose levels are higher than normal but not enough to be diagnosed as diabetes namely at a range from 100 to 125 mg/dl on a fasting state (first thing in the morning before eating). Typically, the more than 54 million people in this category are overweight or obese. They are people who consume large amounts of “junk food” (nutrient-deficient foods and drinks such as soft drinks and all other sugar containing juices and drinks. Foods that are loaded with sugars and unfavorable sources of fat such as animal fat, butter, margarine and Trans Fatty Acids that are found in the majority of packaged processed sweet and or salty snacks) and lead totally sedentary lifestyles; they also have high cholesterol and triglycerides and have low HDL (the good cholesterol). Studies show that these people will eventually develop diabetes and other preventable chronic ailments, such as: high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, “unless” they are identified early and they start making favorable lifestyle choices.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects some women during pregnancy and is characterized by consistently higher than 95 points (mg/dl) on a fasting state first thing in the morning, and over 120 points 2 hours after a meal. Most women who suffer from Gestational Diabetes will return to having normal blood glucose levels after delivery. Up to 45% of women who develop diabetes during pregnancy may progress to having full-blown diabetes later in life unless they make favorable lifestyle choices and change their eating and activity habits. The main predisposing factors for gestational diabetes are family history of diabetes, obesity and sedentary lifestyles . It is crucial that women at risk be identified, since high blood sugar causes fetal harm.

Who Should Test?

All women, early on in their pregnancy, who have the following criteria must be tested for high blood sugar; women who are: overweight, over the age of 25, who have family history of diabetes, those who belong to ethnic groups other than Caucasian, those who have previously had gestational diabetes, or who have previously delivered large babies over 9 pounds.

Treatment

Gestational diabetes is initially treated with Lifestyle interventions such as making balanced food choices and increasing activity as described in Action Step 4. If fasting (first thing in the morning before eating) blood sugar is not brought to 95 points (mg/dl) or to 120 points 2 hours after lunch or dinner then Insulin is the ideal drug that is used. Your doctor will decide which insulin product and dose is appropriate for you. (See the discussion about insulin in Action Step 2).

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, usually affects people later on in life, after the age of 25 or 30. However, Type 2 Diabetes has alarmingly been plaguing children at a much younger age than ever witnessed. Kids as young as 15 and 17 who are obese and leading sedentary lifestyles and commonly seen in grocery stores shopping while riding electric shopping scooters, are now diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. People with Type 2 Diabetes produce insulin from their pancreas, but due to lifestyle factors such as obesity and inactivity the insulin is not able to perform and move the extra sugar from the blood into the muscle and liver cells, resulting in the buildup of sugar levels in the blood. This defect is referred to technically as insulin resistance. The diagnosis for Type 2 Diabetes is when people have a fasting (before eating in the morning) blood sugar level of 126 points (mg/dl) and over on 2 separate readings.

Type 2 Diabetes can be of hereditary origin. Non-Caucasians are more predisposed to getting it. But the vast majority of people get it due to inadequate lifestyles such obesity, overeating and sedentary lifestyles. A staggering 75% of people with diabetes are obese and inactive . This lends to the worsening of their conditions. I witness this trend every single day in my pharmacy practice. People drop off several prescriptions for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure, and they sit the entire time in the pharmacy waiting area. When I counsel them about their medications and suggest they might increase the amount of daily walking, their invariable answer is, “I don’t have time.” Sometimes, they drop off their prescriptions and go food shopping; they bring back a cart full of bacon, cookies and other packaged snacks such as popcorn, jugs of soft drinks, pretzels, butter, white bread, and let’s not forget the cigarettes!

People with Type 2 Diabetes may be treated with: medications, either taken by mouth and/or through insulin injections, and by making favorable lifestyle choices . Medications alone without an active lifestyle will never be an efficient way to control diabetes and/or other chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Your doctor has many medication options from which to choose. What is important is to get diabetes under control in order to avoid deadly complications ! Your health is your responsibility, and staying in close contact with your doctor and pharmacist is the only way to avoid diabetes complications and hugely important in keeping your diabetes under control.

The message that I bring you is that, “You are not doomed.” Certainly, you can control diabetes, but you have to be aware of some simple facts and act on them . Inaction will cause these deadly ailments to creep up on you and systematically destroy your internal organs and claim your life prematurely. You can become involved, seriously and consistently, in your health; take the lead and the primary responsibility for managing your health and disease! It is simpler than you think.

If you take charge of this responsibility, you reap the benefits of living your lifespan to the fullest, enjoying the best quality of life. It is very simple. You just have to take charge by starting to apply the reliable, simple, and practical recommendations in LIFESTYLE MAKEOVER FOR DIABETICS AND PRE-DIABETICS

For more detailed information on any of these topics log on to: www.LifestyleMakeoverEbook.com and check out these information packed lifesaving book and e-book volumes: LIFESTYLE MAKEOVER FOR DIABETICS AND PRE-DIABETICS and 4 other e-books: Lifestyle Makeover: Sex, Stress, and Alcohol , Lifestyle Makeover for All Couch Potatoes , Lifestyle Makeover: Defeat High Cholesterol and Blood Pressure , and Lifestyle Makeover for all Tobacco Users . The author of this article is also the author of these volumes

Test your knowledge on these various issues and take a simple True and False quiz by logging on to: www.LifestyleMakeoverEbook.com

Copyright © 2008 by George Tohme All rights reserved.

George Tohme
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-diabetes-and-the-differences-between-type-1-and-type2-diabetes-684243.html

This scares me to death, every day you walk down the street it is becoming more and more apparent that the average person is becoming larger and this trend has escalated over recent years.

Why are they getting fatter? Here are some reasons…

* Less incidental activity

* Automated and computerized lifestyle

* Longer working hours and less leisure

* Increased consumption of processed foods

* Our food servings are larger than ever

Being overweight, or obese, has now moved from a social nuisance and domestic embarrassment to an official disease. The American Heart Association has announced obesity is a major risk for heart disease.

Obesity itself has become a major and dangerous epidemic. More than 70% of US adults are overweight and that figure is rapidly increasing.

What do most people do to rid their body of unwanted fat? They diet! Dieting is now a trillion dollar industry and just about every month a new diet is announced.

If you do have weight problems how do you find a diet that is safe, effective and sustainable?

What you do is try to find a diet that includes a variety of foods that you can live with comfortably. You have to take a long-term view and include plenty of exercise.

A good diet is one that supplies all of the essential vitamins and minerals, and is not high in fat or protein.

Research on people, who have successfully lost a lot of weight and kept it off long term, shows that the vast majority succeeded by consuming a low fat diet high in fibre coupled with strength training and cardiovascular activity.

Be wary of diets that

* Ban a specific food group

* Promise a quick fix

* Replace a balanced meal with a drink or a snack bar

* Make recommendations based on single studies

* Make recommendations to help sell a single product

Excess weight does not appear overnight and nor will it disappear overnight! In fact the faster you lose weight, the more likely you are to pile the pounds back on.

Seek out a program that will help you maintain long-term body fat losses by providing attainable solutions such as a program that promotes lifestyle changes, healthy eating and regular exercise.

Regular exercise is important (i.e. strength training) as it burns fat, boosts your metabolism and also increases your energy levels.

Dietary changes can lead to initial weight loss, but this is only for the short term. Exercise is essential for maintaining weight loss for the long term.

Now let’s take a closer look at what food is made up of and then you will have a good idea of what to look for in your daily eating plan. Firstly we need a wide range of nutrients to perform various functions for a healthy life.

These nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins and fat and are all present in the food we eat on a daily basis.

The foods containing these nutrients are cereals, legumes, nuts, vegetables, fruits, milk products and flesh foods (fish, meat and poultry).

We need all these nutrients to live and thrive and since we receive them through the food we eat, our food must be well balanced and in the proper proportions. Food is a fuel; the body requires this fuel for energy, which is measured in fats, carbohydrate and protein.

Each of these nutrients provides different amounts of energy and these are measured in calories.

Nutrient Calories per Gram

Carbohydrate 4

Protein 4

Fat 9

Let’s look at carbohydrates first, carbohydrates supply energy for our body, they provide fibre for the prevention of disease and taste and texture to food. They are found in cereals, potatoes, fruits and vegetables.

They come in two basic forms, simple and complex. Simple carbs are easily identified by their taste and are sweet. Complex carbs, such as potatoes are pleasant to the taste buds, but are not sweet.

They are then divided into two groups, high fibre and low fibre.

High-fibre foods are the healthiest choices for nutrition and the intake of these foods is associated with a lower incidence of cancer and diabetes. Carbohydrates supply the sort of calories easily burned during cardiovascular exercise.

They are often wrongly feared and considered fattening, but the most important factor in weight control is balancing the energy (calories) consumed.

Please remember:

Energy In is more than Energy Out = Weight gain

Energy In is equal to Energy Out = Weight maintenance

Energy In is less than Energy Out = Weight loss

Different foods affect the ability to exercise at different levels. High levels of exercise (cardio and strength training) require carbohydrate as a fuel source; at lower levels it is fat.

A lack of carbohydrate in the diet will lead to fatigue, the inability to exercise effectively, and excess fat consumption. When our food is digested, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars.

These sugars are absorbed by the body and used by the muscles or stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. As our glycogen storage capacity is limited, carbohydrate needs to be continually topped up by the foods we eat.

But the body has an unlimited storage capacity for fat!

The average person is extremely vulnerable to fad diets and extreme dieting behaviours. The low carbohydrate diet is one of the latest eating plans to hit the streets.

This current diet craze is very popular but there are safer and more effective methods based on scientific research, to reduce body fat levels.

Low carbohydrate dieting is simply wrong.

Why is this? Just as a car runs better on a certain fuel, so does the human body. Unfortunately the latest low-carbohydrate fad diets are not the fuel mix the human body was designed to run on.

Carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram, whereas fats contain 9 calories per gram. For weight loss, the priority is to decrease total calorie intake. Reducing the amount of fat in the diet will make the biggest difference in reducing total daily calorie intake and hence weight loss.

Carbohydrate intake is not fattening, excess calorie intake is fattening.

If you aren’t having enough carbohydrates in your diet you will experience:

* Fatigue due to low blood sugar levels inadequate intake

of vitamins and minerals

* Low fibre intake, which may affect bowel movements

* ‘Bad’ breath due to the breakdown products of fats

(called ketones)

The bottom line for carbohydrates and weight loss is to:

* Try to balance carbohydrate intake with activity levels

* Maintain energy levels by eating carbohydrate rich foods on

a regular basis

* Carbohydrate rich foods are normally low in fat and

nutrient-rich

A real weight loss program includes all the food groups, strength training, and low-level aerobics, a slight decrease in your daily calorie levels and a program that can be followed for life.

In conclusion try to achieve a balanced diet, eating a balanced variety of foods will help you to feel great every day, ensure better long-term health and improve weight control.

Gary Matthews
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/carbohydrates-what-you-must-know-122454.html

Our weight weighs heavily on our minds, and it should. Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese says the American Obesity Association. That means two-thirds of Americans are overweight and one-third are obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that obesity is responsible for more than 325,000 deaths annually…that’s more than 100 9/11’s every year. The National Institutes of Health estimates obesity costs this country between $75 and $125 billion every year. Obesity is the number one risk factor for many chronic diseases-heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis to name a few.

Americans are not overweight for lack of interest or effort. Weight loss is a multi-billion dollar industry, so Americans are certainly trying. With as much money as we spend on weight loss, why is the United States the most obese nation on Earth?

I wish there was a simple program or public policy that we could implement that would wipe out our weight problems; however, because everyone has their own unique body chemistry, the only way to really impact weight (and other chronic health issues) is for an individual to know:

* about his/her own body;

* what causes his/her body to become imbalanced; and

* what he/she can do to re-balance their body.

Here are the factors that I believe are key to helping you reduce or eliminate your weight problems:

1. Poor food choices – whether you know it or not, our food supply has degraded massively over the last 50 years or so. While we have supermarkets and restaurants that are filled with food, the quality of that food has plummeted. I’m talking about the amount of food processing and the increasing use of additives, preservatives, sweeteners and colorings.

Tips:

* Start reading food labels and understanding ingredients. A simple internet search on an ingredient can tell you if you should be ingesting it or not.

* Avoid foods that are irradiated, as lots of produce these days is exposed to a small amount of radiation to give it a longer shelf life. Avoid foods containing colorings, preservatives and excessive sugars like high fructose corn syrup.

* Avoid or eliminate foods that are highly processed like breakfast cereals, potato and corn chips (and the like), processed meats (processed deli meats, hot dogs and “pressed” meat like chicken “nuggets” and meat “patties”).

* Eliminate all microwaved food and beverages. Microwave ovens may be deemed safe to stand in front of and watch the food turn, but what it’s turning into is no longer food (read my book for more information on microwaves and how they damage the nutrients in your food). You may want to ask your waiter/waitress if any part of the meal you are ordering will be microwaved; if it is, make another selection!

2. Portion control – as a society, we live by the rule that more is better. We often gauge a restaurant by the size of the portions they offer. Need I mention the “all you can eat” buffets? Did you know that a large soda now at most fast food restaurants is a full quart (32 oz.)? Even worse, many of the soda fountains at convenience stores have the 64 oz. soda cups; for those of you who are counting, that’s a half-gallon of soda full of sugars that will spike blood sugar and imbalance your body chemistry! The Bio-Logikal Diet recommends whole, natural, unprocessed foods.

Knowing how much fuel you need (caloric requirement) is critical. The number of calories a person needs is determined by the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This number is the number of calories one would need to consume in a day to maintain his/her current body weight. Caloric need, activity/exercise level and individual health goals (i.e. weight loss) are all considered as part of The Bio-Logikal Diet.

3. Metabolism – Just as there are different kinds of gasoline, so too are there different types of fuels (foods) for the body, and everyone requires a unique blend. Fast metabolizers need to eat foods that burn more slowly (fats, meats and complex starches) while slow metabolizers must have foods that burn faster (fruits, grains and simple starches). Almost all metabolizers need a reasonable amount of vegetables in their diet. Most people have a good metabolism, but they do not know their metabolic type. When we do not eat for our metabolic type our metabolism is stunted, causing weight gain, fatigue and other symptoms. The Bio-Logikal Diet includes a metabolic type component that can be determined through the Body Terrain Test.

4. Food compatibility – Learning what foods are compatible with your body chemistry can be invaluable in managing your weight. Foods that are incompatible may cause fatigue, gas, bloating, weight gain, premature aging and can even promote disease. The link between blood type (red blood cells) and diet provides a terrific way to get started with eating foods that are most compatible with your body. That’s right, your blood type can partly determine what foods are most compatible for you. Another factor to consider would be food allergy and intolerance testing to fine tune the blood type list for you. The Bio-Logikal Diet includes a complete blood type food list.

5. Exercise and activity – The amount of movement you perform greatly affects your weight. Even walking, the simplest of exercises (see last post- January 4th, 2007) can have a tremendous impact on our health and weight by 1) improving food cravings; 2) burning more calories and stoking the fire of metabolism; and 3) increasing circulation of the body’s fluids.

By exercising on a regular basis (at least 3 times per week), you will normalize the overall number of food cravings you will have. Even more importantly, exercise also reduces cravings for the wrong types of foods (sweets, simple carbs, junk foods, etc).

Everyone should learn what their unique body chemistry requires in order to better fuel the engine that drives them. By learning what areas we are experiencing imbalances in, we can begin down the road of better health through more appropriate choices and a greater understanding of our own bodies.

In Health!,

Dr. Brett Saks

DrSaks.com

Dr. Brett Saks
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/weight-loss-foods-worth-the-weight-106964.html

Childhood obesity has become a major health epidemic, with approximately 15% of children considered to be obese the world over. The main reason for the childhood obesity epidemic is a shift in eating habits, away from fresh food, whole grains and vegetables to convenience food high in fat, sugar and additives. Another major factor is a decline in activity for both children and adults, who now spend more time in sedentary activities like watching TV and playing computer games that participating in exercise. In addition, children who have obese or overweight parents have a high risk of becoming obese themselves as a result of poor family eating habits and unhealthy food choices. Parents today are spending less time with their kids and giving less parental advice about healthy food and activity choices. In the USA, UK and Australia 25% of children are considered overweight or obese. The health risks associated with obesity in childhood are great including low self esteem, depression, hormonal imbalances, diabetes and joint problems. Worse still, the obese child who remains overweight into adulthood has the potential to develop more serious health risks later in their life, including arthritis, stroke and heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes, and bowel cancer.

Fast food marketing giants spending billions of dollars in advertising to target children and teens, selling them cheap and high-calorie low nutrition value foods, such as crisps, soft drink, hamburgers and confectionery, coupled with lack of control of parents, is the major cause of incorrect eating habits and childhood obesity. Research shows that even drinking soft drink or soda regularly increases a child’s chance of becoming overweight or obese by 60%. Compounding this, even moderate exercise is no longer a regular daily activity for children and teens. Most children do not play any sport or even walk or cycle to school. Busy parents also have less time than ever to supervise their children and take them out to play in local parks or on the street. A fear of stranger danger and abduction has added to the value of allowing kids to watch TV or play computer games rather than be outside without parental supervision.

In relation to childhood obesity prevention, Doctors and Nutritionists recommend that most overweight children should be encouraged to lose weight through long lasting positive lifestyle changes in eating habits and activity, rather than be put on a weight-loss diet. It is better that children begin to moderate unhealthy choices, eat smaller portion sizes, and begin moderate exercise three to four days a week for 30-45 minutes, building on this over a longer period rather than staging a crash course diet.

The main parenting strategies include encouraging children to gradually change their (1) eating habits towards well-balanced, healthy, varieties of freshly cooked and nutritious foods, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and introducing more healthy recipes and nutritious lunch box ideas; (2) to become more active, and (3) to monitor their own progress and weight loss – until they are able to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. It is often easier to facilitate a change in habits for children compared to adults. Importantly, parents need to talk to their kids and provide healthy choices at home, a range of activity and exercise options, and healthy lunch box offerings for school.

For parents needing support, internet Parent‘s Forums and Parenting Blogs offer support and community exchange of ideas and tips to help address issues relating to childhood obesity. Other advice includes getting kids involved in shopping and meal preparation to help teach them better nutrition and food choice, and assigning chores as another way to get kids up and active. Avoid stocking high-fat, high-sugar snacks in the home; provide fruit and healthy alternatives like fat free pretzels and popcorn. Dilute fruit juice and avoid soft drinks, water is always best. Try to make good choices when going out for dinner, and avoid using food as a reward/comfort. Instead, give kids the attention they deserve by listening, providing encouraging words and hugs and treating the family out to the cinema or local bowling alley to celebrate small successes.

Physical inactivity includes pastimes such as watching TV or playing computer games, should be reduced to no more than two hours a day. Gradual increase in physical activity, such as walking, bike riding, swimming, dancing and ball sports is suggested three to four times a week to begin. Importantly, remember the time you spend together as a family being active is also a great way to reconnect and bond and should be a fun experience for all… a new fitness plan can mean a whole lot more than simply losing weight!

Visit www.abcfitkids.com for more information, parenting articles and fee downloads.

Leigh Harrison
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/childhood-obesity-prevention-131654.html

Diabetes is a disease that affects the blood’s sugar levels creating a higher amount than the body can manage with its own, natural insulin. Therefore, most often times, it must be maintained with medication. But in addition to prescription medication, exercise and eating habits play a huge role in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level. A specific, healthy eating diet plan must be incorporated to a diabetic lifestyle – no ifs, ands or buts about it.

For the majority of people with diabetes, a healthy eating diet plan includes several, smaller meals throughout the day on a more condensed, periodic basis in order to help in successfully maintaining sugar and glucose levels. And because a diabetic is eating more often, it’s imperative that those meals consist of good food choices. Let’s take a look at some tips for healthy eating habits in this realm.

? Choose foods with lower fat contents including the use of non-stick sprays when cooking instead of oil as often as possible.

? Stay away from fruit juices and other beverages that contain high fructose levels including naturally sweetened drinks.

? Decrease salt intake and salty foods like pickles, packaged soups and processed meats.

? Read the food labels on prepared products before ingesting because even something seemingly harmless can pose a risk.

There is actually a food pyramid designed specifically for people with diabetes. And guess what it’s called? The Diabetes Food Pyramid! It’s an exceptional guideline for what and how much to eat that anyone with this disease should be aware of and utilizing every day. It’s broken down into the same basic categories as the regular food pyramid, but the recommend serving sizes are different as are the specific, coordinating foods. Following is an overview of the Diabetes Food Pyramid with required serving amounts:

Grain, Beans and Starchy Vegetables – 6 or more servings per day

Choose whole-grain and whole-wheat breads and flours over the white variety for baking and eating. Beans are a great source of fiber as well as low in sugar. Pretzels and low-fat crackers are perfect choices for snacking and if they’re the lower-salt varieties, even better.

Fruit – 2 to 4 servings daily

Citrus fruits are the best for diabetics. Eat whole fruits in their natural state over the canned assortments because aside from having less sugar, they also contain more fiber. If choosing the canned, frozen or juice variety, always pick those that do not contain added sweeteners or syrups.

Vegetables – 3 to 5 servings a day

Dark green and deep yellow vegetables are the best way to go. Eat freshly prepared vegetables whenever possible. If choosing the prepared variety, pick those are made without the addition of sauces and/or salt.

Milk and Dairy – 2 to 3 serving every day

Drink low or non-fat milk. Choose only low-fat yogurt made with artificial sweeteners.

Meat, Poultry, Fish – 2 to 3 servings daily

Always choose leaner cuts of red meat and trim all fat before preparing. Consume more pork, fish and chicken – remove the skin before cooking. Bake, broil, grill or roast instead of frying.

Fat – limit fat intake, specifically trans and saturated.

By always taking prescribed medications, sticking to a fitness routine and healthy eating diet plan, successful management of diabetes will be almost guaranteed. Always consult a physician before starting any new lifestyle routine.

Kelly Johnson
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/a-healthy-eating-diet-plan-for-diabetics-104685.html