Most kids with diabetes have type 1 diabetes and cannot produce enough insulin to get sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, leading to elevated blood sugar. To manage diabetes and blood sugar, kids must give themselves insulin injections. Diet also plays a role in helping kids manage their blood sugar. Kids do not need to eat a special diet with special foods, according to Kids Health, but they are encouraged to make healthy food choices and to eat a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal.
Breakfast
Carbohydrate-containing foods, including fruits, starches, milk and yogurt, raise blood sugar. Eating a consistent amount of carbohydrates at each meal can help your kid have better blood sugar control. The amount of carbohydrate he needs at each meal depends on his calorie goals. Consult with his doctor or dietitian to determine how many grams of carbohydrate to eat at each meal. Average calorie needs range from 1,200 to 1,600 a day, and most kids can probably eat 45 to 60g of carbohydrate at each meal. A consistent carbohydrate breakfast meal for kids may include two whole-grain pancakes with 2 tbsp. of light pancake syrup and a cup of milk. Kids can also have a 2 oz. whole-grain bagel with 1 tbsp. of light cream cheese or peanut butter and a medium banana. Kids on-the-go can drink a fruit smoothie made with 1 cup of milk, one small banana and 1 cup of strawberries.
Lunch
Offering your child whole grains, fruits and vegetables will help increase his fiber intake. Fiber in food takes the body longer to digest and allows for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream, aiding in blood sugar management. In addition, these foods contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals important for growth and development.
A consistent carbohydrate lunch may consist of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on two slices of whole-grain bread with 1 tsp. of low-sugar jelly and 2 tbsp. of peanut butter, served with a 6 oz. container of sugar-free yogurt and 17 grapes. Cereal also makes a healthy lunch for kids. Try 1-1/2 cups of whole-grain cereal with 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of sliced strawberries or a small banana. Kids can also have a slice of pizza from a small pie with a small apple and a cup of milk.
Dinner
To keep your diabetic child eating healthy, keep your kitchen stocked with healthy choices such as cut-up vegetables, whole fruits, low-fat cheeses, lean sources of protein, nuts, whole-wheat pastas and whole grains.
A healthy dinner idea for your diabetic kid may include roasted chicken legs with 1 cup of roasted new potatoes with 1 cup of corn and a tossed salad. You can also make a healthy stir fry with shrimp and vegetables and serve with 1 cup of brown rice and two small tangerines. Spaghetti and meatballs can also make a healthy, kid-friendly dinner meal. Serve 1 cup of whole-wheat spaghetti with two to three turkey meatballs with steamed broccoli and 1 oz. of Italian bread.
