My eight year old son, who has type�1 diabetes and receives twice daily, continues to gain weight (near 100 pounds now), especially in the midsection. He goes to bed early and gets up early. What can he do or take to “burn some fat”?

Ideal body weight requires a balance between caloric intake and caloric expenditure. Begin by asking your son’s physician to provide you with the name of a dietitian/diabetes educator. This healthcare professional can provide a balanced meal plan to meet your son’s and your family’s needs. Your healthcare team can also assist you with a plan for optimal diabetes management.

Increased activity levels are a key to achieving and maintaining ideal weight as well. Assess your son’s activity levels: is he spending more time in front of the TV, computer, or video games? Can you get him more involved in organized sport or active playtime? The example you set as a parent will have tremendous influence on healthy lifestyle choices for years to come.

Lastly, be aware that frequent hypoglycemia and the increased food intake that accompanies it may play a role in weight gain as well. Speak to your diabetes team if you believe this to be an issue. If necessary, insulin dosage can be adjusted to lessen the risk of low blood sugar.

DMW