The number of children with type 2 children's diabetes, a disease that usually develops in overweight or genetic factors, is increasing in the United States: estimates of the American Diabetes Association indicate that only between 2010 and 2015 increased by 3%.

The Hispanic community is one of the most affected, not only for a matter of genetics but because, being a minority, faces more difficult socio -economic conditions.

"I have 9 -year patients with type 2 diabetes, following sedentary lifestyle and nutrition problems," says Dr. Marina Chaparro, an expert in child nutrition and certified as a diabetes educator in the United States. "The parents of these children usually workHard, they have little time and, as a consequence, they consume more fast food. ”

According to Chaparro, who directs a program that focuses on the treatment and prevention of children's diabetes called as nutrichicos, statistics confirm that Latin children are more sedentary, if compared to those of other origins."There are social, cultural and physiological factors that, combined, have triggered a serious health problem," he says.

Parents must be attentive to certain symptoms: spots on the neck or joints (many confuse them with dirt, but in truth they are signs that the body is producing in excess insulin), high cholesterol or glucose levels and, especially, overweight, the most serious risk factor.

Marina Chaparro, an expert in child nutrition and certified as a diabetes educator in the United States.

Estimates indicate that 80% of diabetics weigh more than they should, so it is very important to fight it from an early age.And for this, the most important thing is the help and presence of the family, says the specialist.

“A 9 -year -old boy does not prepare his food;The only thing that decides is how much to eat.Overweight is a family problem: it is the parents who make purchases in the supermarket.They cannot be forced to eat things that the rest does not eat: if the child sees that everyone has a cake but broccoli gives him, obviously he will not want to eat it.Dad and mom have to be an example.If their eating habits do not change, their children will not. ”

Useful recommendations

*To prevent obesity and diabetes, there are foods that must be moderated, especially those with added sugars.It is not only about soda: also about sports drinks and processed juices.From there precisely comes the highest consumption of sugar in children."It is preferable to drink water, tea, skim milk or almond milk (which provide calcium)," says the doctor.

*It is also important to focus on the size of the portions, since it is absurd that the little ones eat the same amount as an adult.The doctor points out that it is possible to calculate the ration that the child needs using his hand: "The indicated portion of protein must fit in the palm of her hand, while the appropriate amount of carbohydrates amounts to the size of her fist."

*Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.They are not only healthy but contain a lot of fiber and fill.“A child who eats a lot has a very large stomach, so when he is trying to lose weight and portions are reduced, he is usually hungry.Many mothers conclude that their children do not eat certain foods because they rejected them once, but you have to make the effort to introduce them again in their diet.

*The idea is that they receive all nutrients: if the child does not consume dairy, for example, other calcium sources must be looked for.It must be taken into account that a child's nutritional requirements are completely different from those of an adult.

*Consult children's nutritionists who have clinical training."Not all who recommendDiets are nutrition experts and one sees many meaningless things, ”says Dr. Chaparro.“I have seen parents who take their diabetic children to places where they are told that, to lower the sugar, they give salt children, because it normalizes sugar levels.That is because they ever heard about the alkaline diet and it turns out that, with that, they are putting the patient's life at risk. ”

By Kelly Martínez