Child Month has just passed but I want to use this opportunity to put in a plug for our children. Juvenile diabetes or Type One diabetes is one of the childhood health problems that has received a lot of attention but is still misunderstood by some people.

Juvenile diabetes is influenced by heredity factors and immune system malfunction which result in the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin.

The effects of diabetes are far reaching and cannot be ignored because of the implications for the kidneys, eyes, nerves in the legs and feet and gums and teeth.

Play and physical activity were integral factors in children's lifestyles in the past but, with technological development, contemporary lifestyles are more dependent on gadgets, equipment and devices at the expense of physical activity. More children are leading sedentary lives, and so comparatively more of them are affected and are susceptible to the ravages of juvenile diabetes.

Schedule daily exercise

Because the juvenile diabetic faces the challenges of inadequate insulin supply, it's important that insulin is used efficiently. One way to use insulin efficiently is by including exercise in children's daily activities. With medical supervision, the risks associated with diabetes can be managed before commencing an exercise programme.

Diabetic children can do a wide variety of activities to control their blood-glucose level and manage their diabetic condition. Household chores or activities around the home can prove to be more than adequate. Walking is always a good way to start because of what it does for their circulation. Children really need to take part in physical activity for recreation as well as for cognitive development. They will not find the household chores as interesting and as exciting as the video games but some reward system can put a whole new twist on the experience.

Aerobic activity

Aerobic exercises increase insulin sensitivity which helps to restore normal glucose metabolism. This prevents the body from having extra carbohydrates to store which can be converted to fat. Exercise increases the use of blood sugar to produce energy to carry out the activities of the child with diabetes.

Good foot care is a major concern for diabetics who exercise because of the likelihood of injuries or irritation to the feet. Many ulcers that result in leg amputation originated as a tiny blister, break in the skin or an irritating itch that the individual scratched. Any compromise of the status of the leg and foot could lead to serious infection. The footwear should be comfortable, fits properly and appropriate for the activity in which the individual is engaged.

Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.