Part 3: Treatment
Doctor Grey explained the importance of lifestyle changes to control her condition,"Although there are no recommendations for blood glucose levels in children with type 2 diabetes you can closely monitor these levels. The most important thing in order to manage diabetes in children with type 2 diabetes is healthy eating with portion control, and increased physical activity. If this is not sufficient to normalize blood glucose levels, glucose-lowering medication and/or insulin therapy are used as well. There are a variety of different diabetes medications, some that are taken orally, and some taken by injection (via a subcutaneous pump), such as insulin. Younger people with type 2 diabetes may take one or more different glucose-lowering medications of which metformin is the most frequently used in this population."
Even though Emma's mother had gestational diabetes, Emma most likely developed type 2 diabetes because of other unhealthy habits. Her parents have influenced her poor eating habits and were blind to the issue's of her eating unhealthy. Dr. Grey therefore clarified the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Grey then handed them an information form that enforces certain lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in the health of Emma and her family.
It concluded of the following information:
By simply making these lifestyle changes by maintaining a healthy weight and staying active daily, Emma will see increased energy at school and controlled asthma. Dr. Grey wanted to ensure Emma and her parents would enforce these lifestyle changes immediately. He recommended that she should start with at least a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Dr. Grey explained the other lifestyle changes Emma would need to make because she has diabetes, "Everyone who has diabetes should be seen at least once every six months by a diabetes specialist (an endocrinologist or a diabetologist). They should also be seen periodically by other members of a diabetes treatment team, including a diabetes nurse educator, and a dietitian who will help develop a meal plan for the individual. Ideally, one should also see an exercise physiologist for help in developing a physical activity plan, and, perhaps, a social worker, psychologist or other mental health professional for help with the stresses and challenges of living with a chronic disease. Everyone who has diabetes should have regular eye exams (once a year) by an ophthalmologist to make sure that any eye problems associated with diabetes are caught early and treated before they become serious."
Dr Grey gave her a series of treatment goals he wanted her to accomplish before her 6th month checkup:
Even though Emma's mother had gestational diabetes, Emma most likely developed type 2 diabetes because of other unhealthy habits. Her parents have influenced her poor eating habits and were blind to the issue's of her eating unhealthy. Dr. Grey therefore clarified the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Grey then handed them an information form that enforces certain lifestyle changes that can make a big difference in the health of Emma and her family.
It concluded of the following information:
- switch from regular pop to sugar-free pop or water
- switch to lower-fat dairy products, such as 1% or skim milk
- offer children healthy snack choices, such as fresh fruits and cut-up veggies
- model healthy eating and activity habits for your children
- leave the car at home; walk or bike whenever possible
- gradually reduce screen time (television computers, etc.) and replace it with active play time. try a family walk after dinner
- follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and Canada’s Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth.
By simply making these lifestyle changes by maintaining a healthy weight and staying active daily, Emma will see increased energy at school and controlled asthma. Dr. Grey wanted to ensure Emma and her parents would enforce these lifestyle changes immediately. He recommended that she should start with at least a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Dr. Grey explained the other lifestyle changes Emma would need to make because she has diabetes, "Everyone who has diabetes should be seen at least once every six months by a diabetes specialist (an endocrinologist or a diabetologist). They should also be seen periodically by other members of a diabetes treatment team, including a diabetes nurse educator, and a dietitian who will help develop a meal plan for the individual. Ideally, one should also see an exercise physiologist for help in developing a physical activity plan, and, perhaps, a social worker, psychologist or other mental health professional for help with the stresses and challenges of living with a chronic disease. Everyone who has diabetes should have regular eye exams (once a year) by an ophthalmologist to make sure that any eye problems associated with diabetes are caught early and treated before they become serious."
Dr Grey gave her a series of treatment goals he wanted her to accomplish before her 6th month checkup:
- Blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible
- Glycosylated hemoglobin levels as close to normal as possible
- Prevention of complications