Type 2 or insulin-resistant diabetes is on the rise in children and is the second-most diagnosed chronic condition in children in the United States, according to Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Because blood sugar fluctuations can contribute to this disease, physicians may recommend a low-glycemic index diet, which is designed to keep blood sugar levels constant. Understanding how this diet works--and how it can prevent serious health problems like diabetes in kids--can help you keep your child healthy.
Significance
A low-glycemic index diet gives commonly eaten foods a rating based on the food's affect on blood glucose levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. When blood glucose levels rise, the body is more likely to store the foods you eat as fat. Rising blood glucose levels also cause inflammation in the body. When it comes to choosing the right foods, the lower the number, the better. Note, however, that only carbohydrate-containing foods are rated on the glycemic index. Other foods, such as meats or fats, do not affect blood glucose levels, but should be eaten in moderation.
Ratings
Glycemic index foods are split into three categories: high--a rating of 70 or more; medium--a rating of 56 to 69; and low--a rating of 55 and under, according to MayoClinic.com. High-glycemic index foods include white bread, watermelon and white skinless baked potatoes. Medium-glycemic index foods include sweet corn, bananas, raw pineapple and raisins. Low-glycemic index foods--those that are the best choices for your child--include raw carrots, peanuts, grapefruit and peas.
Food Choices
Even for a highly picky child, low-glycemic index foods offer variety. Low-glycemic index diet foods tend to come from fresh sources that are low in calories and high in nutrients, according to Kids Eat Great. Examples of foods for kids include whole-grain breads and cereals and low-fat milk. Good fruit choices include apples, grapefruit, kiwi, green grapes, mango, oranges, peaches, pears and plums. Recommended vegetables include soybeans, black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, lima beans and navy beans. Meat-based protein servings should come from lean sources, including lean meats, poultry and seafood.
Misconceptions
You may observe that some foods considered "healthy," such as watermelon ranks high on the glycemic index, according to MayoClinic.com. However, the glycemic index is chiefly a measure of how the food affects blood sugar. Bananas and potatoes are other examples of high-glycemic index foods that should be avoided.
Benefits
Following a low-glycemic index diet can help kids in a number of ways, according to Dr. Christine Wood, a pediatrician writing on Kids Eat Great. In addition to stable energy levels, eating low-glycemic index foods helps kids stay fuller for longer. The diet reduces insulin levels, which can help the body to burn more fat. A low glycemic-index diet allows insulin to be used more efficiently in the release of glucose. Because insulin plays a role in type 2 diabetes, this can help to reduce the risk of developing this condition and heart disease.
