As parents, it’s important to keep a watchful eye on our children’s health. One of the most important aspects of this is monitoring their blood sugar levels. High blood sugars for prolonged periods can lead to a variety of health issues including high cholesterol, eye disease, kidney disease, nerve and even heart disease. Fortunately, there are several things that parents can do to help keep their children’s blood sugar levels from rising. From avoiding sugary snacks to increasing physical activity, Medanta has compiled a list of five tips for parents on how to keep their kids' blood sugar levels under control.

 

1. Diet: The first step in keeping your child’s blood sugar levels under control is to create a balanced diet for them. Foods high in carbohydrates and sugars, such as candy, cake, juice, and soda should be limited as much as possible. Instead, focus on foods that are low in sugar and rich in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Additionally, try to limit fried foods or processed snacks like chips as these can cause spikes in glucose levels.

 

2. Exercise: Physical activity plays an important role in helping regulate blood sugar levels. Encourage your child to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. This doesn’t have to be anything strenuous; even activities like walking or playing outside can help your child burn off any excess glucose in the bloodstream.

 

3. Blood Sugar Monitoring Devices: There are several devices available that allow parents to keep track of their child’s glucose levels throughout the day. These devices range from simple finger-prick monitors which take readings every few hours to more sophisticated continuous glucose monitors that provide constant updates through Bluetooth technology. Usually, these devices are used when a child has diabetes to frequently monitor and treat accordingly. Discussing with your doctor which device would work best for your child’s needs is recommended before making a purchase.

 

4. Stress Management Techniques: While there aren’t many hard scientific studies available on how stress affects children's blood sugar levels, it is believed that managing stress can help prevent sudden increases or decreases in glucose levels for kids who are already at risk for developing diabetes or other related diseases later on in life. Teaching children relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help them manage their stress and keep their blood sugar balanced over time.

 

5. Medications: In some cases, medication may be necessary to maintain healthy blood sugar levels for children with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. Before starting any medication, it is important to consult with your doctor first about the risks and benefits involved so you can make an informed decision on what will work best for your child's individual needs going forward.

 

By following the five tips outlined above parents can help ensure their children maintain healthy glucose levels throughout their lives while also preventing long-term health issues related to high blood sugar down the road. Taking proactive steps now will enable parents to keep their kids safe and sound well into adulthood!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foods You Should Avoid if You Have High Blood Sugar

 

High blood sugar can be a difficult condition to manage, and the foods you eat can have a significant impact on your health. While many people know about the dangers of eating sugary treats and high-carb meals, some unexpected foods can also cause problems for those with high blood sugar.

 

1: White Bread, Pasta & Rice

 

First, let's look at white bread, pasta, and rice. These are all high-carb foods that can cause blood sugar levels to spike. This is because these foods contain refined carbohydrates, which have been stripped of their nutrients and fiber. The lack of fiber means that these carbs are digested quickly and enter the bloodstream quickly, leading to a rise in blood sugar. To avoid this problem, opt for whole-grain alternatives whenever possible. Whole grain bread, pasta, and rice contain more nutrients and fiber that slow down digestion and help keep your blood sugar levels more stable.

 

2: Processed Meats & Sugary Drinks 

 

Another food to be aware of are processed meats and sugary drinks. Processed meats like hot dogs and sausages are often made with added sugars or preservatives that can disrupt blood sugar control. Sugary drinks like soda or energy drinks also contain high amounts of sugar that can send your blood sugar levels soaring. To limit your risk for high blood glucose, avoid processed meats and sugary drinks as much as possible. Instead, opt for lean proteins like chicken or fish paired with water or unsweetened tea when you're thirsty.

 

3: Saturated Fats & High-Fat Dairy Products

 

Saturated fats and high-fat dairy products should also be avoided if you have high blood sugar levels. Saturated fats are found in many processed snacks like chips or crackers while high-fat dairy products include things like cream cheese or ice cream. Both types of fats are typically high in calories without providing any nutritional value which can lead to weight gain-- a risk factor for developing diabetes or worsening existing diabetes symptoms. To reduce your risk, choose healthier snack options like nuts or fruits instead of processed snacks; reach for low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream, and opt for skim milk rather than whole milk when making recipes at home.

 

4: Sweets & Desserts

 

Sweets and desserts are another type of food to be aware of if you have high blood sugar levels these foods can lead to a rapid rise in glucose levels after eating them. Additionally, sweets often don't provide any nutritional value so it's best to limit them as much as possible when managing your condition. If you do feel the need for something sweet try adding fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries into recipes instead; the natural sweetness will provide enough flavour without causing a sharp rise in your blood sugar levels afterward!

 

5: Alcoholic Beverages

 

Alcoholic beverages should also be limited if you have high blood sugar as drinking alcohol increases the amount of glucose released into the bloodstream – which can cause an unwanted spike in glucose levels after drinking it! Plus, many alcoholic drinks contain added sugars that add even more fuel to an already unstable situation! So, if you plan on drinking alcohol stick with light beers (or better yet none), clear spirits (such as vodka) mixed with no-sugar sodas/fruit juices such as non-alcoholic beer with lemonade, water infused with herbs & spices such as mint & cucumber, etc.

 

6: Refined Grains & Cereals

 

Refined grains & cereals should also be limited if you have high blood sugar because they tend to convert into glucose very quickly due to lack of fiber & other important nutrients so it’s essential to swap out this type of food for healthy wholegrain options – such as oats, quinoa, barley & buckwheat, etc -to obtain maximum nutrition & slow down digestion.