Being at a healthy body weight is good for everyone - parents included! When kids with diabetes reach and maintain a healthy body weight, they feel better and have more energy. Their diabetes symptoms may diminish, their blood sugar levels may be easier to control, and they may be less likely to develop complications from diabetes, like heart disease.

A physician can judge whether a person's weight is healthy by using the body mass index (BMI). Your kid's doctor may recommend that your child lose weight to control diabetes, in which case a weight management plan may be prescribed. Even if your child's BMI is in the healthy range, the doctor can help you create a meal and exercise plan for your child.

Your emotional support can be an important part of helping your child get to a healthy weight. Overweight kids can have low self-esteem or feel guilty about having diabetes. Try to stay positive. Don't talk about feeling "fat" or "thin" - talk about being "healthy." Help your child understand that all healthy people need to actively manage their weight - even you. And remember that your child picks up your attitudes about weight and eating - after all, you buy the food and cook the meals. By buying healthy foods and cooking healthy meals for your child, you can provide the tools that your child needs to get to a healthy weight.

Being a good role model for your child is also important. If you are overweight, talk to your own doctor about beginning a weight management program so you can set a good example for your child.

Your kid's diabetes meal plan already helps guide what your child eats, so reaching a healthy weight may simply mean adding more physical activity to your child's well-balanced diet. Getting more exercise will make your child feel better and help with diabetes and weight control, so be sure to encourage your child to get moving every day.

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