Childhood diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes and type 1 diabetes, is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys beta cells in your pancreas that normally produce insulin, a hormone that transports glucose from your blood into your muscle cells. Glucose is sugar your cells use for energy. Type 1 diabetes affects under 10 percent of diagnosed diabetics in the United States. You can manage diabetes with diet.
Low Glycemic Foods
Controlling blood glucose levels is a key objective for managing childhood diabetes. Consuming low glycemic foods enables you to have better control over your blood glucose levels. Low glycemic foods contain sugars that your body slowly digests and absorbs into your blood, so insulin, which you may take by injection, can work and transport glucose into your cells. Low glycemic foods include legumes, such as black beans, soy beans and peanuts, barley, whole wheat spaghetti, grapefruit and carrots. High glycemic foods, such as white bread and white rice, may quickly increase your blood glucose levels and elevate your risk of complications. These complications include heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke and nerve damage.
High Fiber Foods
A diet high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can help you control your blood sugar. This is because soluble fiber can slow down your absorption of sugar. High fiber foods include beans, peas, oats, barley, psyllium, carrots and fruits, such as apples and grapefruits. Include high fiber foods in each of your meals and snacks throughout the day..
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Type 1 diabetics have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and should consume healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, to reduce the risk. Research by scientists at the University of Sydney in Australia and published in "Diabetes Educator" in 2010 reports that diets higher in fish and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality among people with diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and fish, such as salmon, herring, halibut, tuna and sardines.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are the primary sources of foods for most vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The American Diabetes association recommends that people with childhood diabetes should consume plentiful amounts of a variety of colors of fruits and vegetables. Low glycemic fruits, such as grapefruits, cherries, peaches, apples and pears, are best to help you control your blood sugar. You should eat low glycemic and non-starchy vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, green beans and spinach.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; Diabetes; 2010
- DiabetesLife; Diet and Juvenile Diabetes; 2010
- University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Center for Integrative Medicine; Glycemic Index; 2010
- American Diabetes Association; Complications; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet; 2009
- "Diabetes Educator"; Effect of Omega-3 Fish Oil on Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes; Brad McEwen, et al.; Jul-Aug 2010
