Juvenile diabetes, or Type 1 diabetes, is a disease that occurs when little or no insulin, necessary in allowing glucose to produce energy within cells, is secreted by the pancreas. Although it is crucial to manage blood glucose levels through medically prescribed insulin and other medications, a healthy nutritional diet emphasizing carbohydrate control and accenting high-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains is of great importance.
Carbohydrate Control
There is no typical juvenile diabetic diet. What is most important is careful control of carbohydrate intake. Juvenile diabetics need a consistent supply of carbohydrates since their cells cannot absorb sugar to create energy because of insufficient insulin production. Good carbohydrates include fruit, legumes, breads, grains, cereals, rice, pasta and milk products. These should be provided according to the meal planning you and your registered dietitian have arranged. Because small children are often picky eaters, provide a wide variety of carbohydrates and avoid forcing your child to eat. If he refuses, offer a fruit juice or milk. On special occasions, you may allow your child to eat sugary foods, but carbohydrates such as potatoes and rice must be restricted the rest of that day.
School Lunches and Snacks
If your child is taking insulin, she may eat regular school lunches if allowed to make food choices that correspond to a good understanding of the meal planning you and her dietitian have arranged. Carbohydrates peak in the bloodstream in about an hour and leave it in about two hours. Meal delays, exercise routines, unplanned activities and sugar needs between meals must be compensated for by an easily available quick-acting source of carbohydrate, such as juice or small milkshake. Teachers must be informed snacks must not be withheld or delayed.
Snack Suggestions
Try a fruit milk shake made with 1/2 cup frozen strawberries without sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tsp. lemon juice and several packets of sugar substitute. An easy-to-make snack is cheese cubes on a pretzel stick or celery stuffed with peanut butter and raisins. Restrict foods such as cakes, cookies, candy and soft drinks.
High-Fiber Foods
High-fiber foods help control carbohydrate intake because the fibers do not get absorbed and do not increase blood sugars. Fiber slows digestion and permits the body to respond better to the incoming sugar. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber. Play with a variety of bright colors to make them appealing to your child. Whole grains also provide fiber and include oatmeal and whole-grain bread products.
Healthy Fats
Although your pediatrician will give you specific dietary advice concerning your child, in general fats should only make up about a third of daily calories, with saturated fat from red meat and butter limited to less than 7 percent. Nonfat or low-fat dairy is preferred, although children under age 2 should be given whole milk. Trans-fats found in fried foods and commercially baked products should make up less than 1 percent of the total calories. Better fat choices are monounsaturated fats found in peanut and olive oils, avocados and nuts and omega-3s found in fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Type 1 Diabetes
- Harvard School of Public Health: Carbohydrates: Good Carbs Guide the Way
- University of Michigan Health System: Type 1 Diabetes: Meal Planning
- University of Michigan Health System: School and Food Issues for Children Age 11 and Younger with Diabetes
- University of Michigan Health System: Snack Suggestions for Preschool Children with Diabetes
- Diabetic Diet Plans: Juvenile Diabetes and Nutrition
