|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Pediatric Prediabetes Treatment

Pre-diabetes is characterized by higher than normal levels of glucose in the blood. Children most at risk of developing pre-diabetes are those who are obese, inactive and have a family history of diabetes. Children at risk should be screened for the condition by the age of 10.

  1. Identification

    • Blood glucose can be measured after a fasting period of eight to 10 hours. The child will be diagnosed with pre-diabetes if the results show a blood sugar between 100 mg/dl and 125 mg/dl, according to Dr. Helena W. Rodbard of the American College of Endocrinologists. A second type of test measures glucose tolerance and is administered two hours after the patient takes a glucose drink. Pre-diabetes exists if the results fall between 140 and 199 mg/dl.

    Diet Modifications

    • Children with prediabetes should eat a healthy diet such as the one described by the USDA's food pyramid. This means grains, vegetable, fruits, dairy products and meats.

    Exercise

    • Children with pre-diabetes should participate in 60 minutes of physical activity each day. It may be helpful to encourage participation in sports.

    Weight Loss

    • Up to 80 percent of all children diagnosed with pre-diabetes are obese. Overweight patients with pre-diabetes should strive to lose enough weight to fall below the 85th percentile of children of the same age and sex.

    Considerations

    • Medications such as Metformin and insulin may be required if lifestyle changes fail to reverse or control the symptoms.

    Warning

    • Individuals who develop diabetes early in life have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Controlling pre-diabetes also can prevent the onset of diabetes.

Diabetes - Related Articles