Regular exercise offers many benefits for diabetic children and teens, including control of weight and glucose (blood sugar) and improved cardiovascular functioning.

In addition, consistent physical activity helps young people with prediabetes delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and can help those with type 1 diabetes prevent double diabetes. With planning and preparation, children can be as physically active as their nondiabetic peers.

Parents and guardians should take an active role in ensuring that diabetic children exercise regularly and appropriately by encouraging physical activity and acting as role models. They should schedule a pre-workout checkup with a physician before enrolling the child in a sport or exercise program. Additionally, parents should notify authorities such as school nurses and coaches that their child has diabetes, and provide copies of the child’s diabetes care plan.

All children must take certain safety measures when exercising, such as wearing a helmet for certain sports. However, children with diabetes need to take additional precautions, such as performing glucose monitoring and adjusting meals, snacks and insulin therapy or other medications. Such steps can help prevent complications such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Experts often recommend that diabetic children and teens participate in cardiovascular exercise for 30 to 60 minutes each day. Examples of cardiovascular activities include bicycling, swimming, skating and playing basketball. Strengthening exercises are also beneficial. Activities should be accompanied by a warm-up period, stretching and a cool-down period.