To begin, when a child is affected by type 2 diabetes, their diet must absolutely be based on fruits and vegetables. Green apple, cucumber, carrot, watercress, and celery are all good foods.
Conversely, sweets, processed foods, white bread, fried foods, and chips should be avoided.
In addition, physical activity such as walking or running will allow the child to stay active, which will help with their treatment.
Plants can also be beneficial, particularly fenugreek, which can be consumed as an herbal tea, as a compote, as a powder mixed into yogurt, or as a syrup, while remaining mindful of its sugar content. Olive leaf herbal teas are beneficial as well.
At the same time, certain dietary supplements may be taken, in particular vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and chromium.
Finally, in case of significant fatigue, one can turn to hericium syrup, or even better for a young child, reishi syrup.
Of course, it is essential to discuss any treatment with the child's doctor.
What the science says: for children, diabetes and blood sugar, coughing
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — the studies address material causes; healing belongs to Allah.
For children
In infants, the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri reduces colic crying according to a meta-analysis (Pediatrics, 2018) (Acta Paediatr, 2024); in children, honey soothes nighttime coughing (after one year of age) (Cochrane, 2018), fiber and hydration treat constipation (J Pediatr, 2022), and omega-3s are being studied for hyperactivity (Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018). Precaution: never give honey before one year of age, no essential oils before age 3 (age 6 for peppermint), doses adjusted to weight; any fever in an infant under 3 months old is an emergency.
Diabetes and blood sugar
Diet (low glycemic index, fiber, fewer fast-acting sugars) is the foundation of type 2 diabetes treatment (BMJ, 2021); several plants from tradition — cinnamon, fenugreek, black seed, turmeric, olive leaf — have a blood-sugar-lowering effect confirmed by meta-analyses (Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2023) (Nutrients, 2024), and camel milk is being studied in this context. Precaution: these remedies are used alongside treatment and may cause hypoglycemia if combined with it — monitor blood sugar and never change an insulin dose without the doctor's guidance.
Coughing
Honey is the best-proven remedy for cough: the Cochrane review rates it more effective than no treatment and comparable to common syrups in children (Cochrane, 2018) (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 2007), and a meta-analysis evaluates traditional plants against cough (Forsch Komplementmed, 2015). Thyme, marshmallow root, plantain, inhalations, and humid air round things out. Precaution: no honey before one year of age; a cough lasting more than three weeks, with fever, blood, or shortness of breath, should be seen by a doctor.
