Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that more than 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes annually, and there are about 151,000 people under 20 living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic children have specific nutritional needs, but Medical News Today notes that studies have shown that less than half of all children and young adults with diabetes are getting the nutrition they need.
The Facts
Despite the large numbers of children diagnosed with diabetes each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that there are few standardized guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, especially when that treatment requires medication. Instead, diabetic children are usually told to follow one of three types of meals plans according to Kid's Health: the constant carbohydrate plan, the carbohydrate counting plan or the exchange meal plan.
Considerations
The recommended diets for children focus primarily on controlling blood sugar, and the constant carbohydrate and carbohydrate counting plans rely on insulin use in conjunction with the diet to maintain health. They do not take into account the fact that children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have different nutritional needs, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Challenges
Key challenges in meeting the nutritional needs of children with diabetes are ensuring that they are receiving an adequate balance of nutrients as they age. "Medical News Today" found that while vitamin C, calcium and iron levels were generally acceptable in diabetic children, total fat consumption, fiber, fruit and vegetable levels were below the recommended guidelines set by the American Dietetic Association.
Recommendations
Work closely with your child's health care provider to develop a customized meal plan that includes sufficient nutrients for your child's diabetic type. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a proper diagnosis between type 1 and type 2 may be difficult, but that controlling food and diet for the diagnosed type of diabetes is critical.
Implementation
Parents and caregivers are the primary implementers of diabetic diets for children. Kid's Health notes that involving the child in the process and educating friends and family will help with compliance and improve overall health.
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