Type 2 diabetes was a disease most commonly diagnosed in adults older than 40, but over the past two decades, more and more children and teens have been developing the condition. Teens with type 2 diabetes have elevated blood sugar because their body can no longer properly use insulin, the hormone that gets sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. Following a healthy diet is an important component in helping improve blood sugar control and preventing short- and long-term complications.
Diet Overview
Now that your teen has type 2 diabetes, you may worry that he needs to eat special foods to help manage his blood sugar. But the recommended diet is a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods from each of the food groups, and can be followed by everyone in the family. Your teen's meal plan should include three meals and at least one snack a day to help control hunger and blood sugar. Because most teens with type 2 diabetes are overweight, it is important that they balance their daily calorie intake to help promote and maintain a healthy weight. You should consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine the best meal plan for your teen.
Vegetables
Vegetables are an important part of a healthy meal plan. They are low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals your teen needs to grow. Your teen's diet should include 2 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day. A 1-cup serving equals 1 cup of raw or cooked vegetables or 2 cups of leafy greens.
Fruits
Fruits are also low in calories and nutrient-rich, but are a source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are macronutrients in food that increase blood sugar. Eating too many carbohydrates at one time can cause elevated blood sugar. To help control your teen's blood sugar, fruits should be limited to 1 1/2 to 2 cups a day, with 1 cup equal to 1 cup of raw cut-up or unsweetened canned fruit, 1 cup of juice, or 1/2 cup of dried fruit.
Grains
Foods in the grain group are the primary sources of carbohydrates in the diet, and your teen should limit intake to 6 to 7 oz. a day. A 1-oz. serving from the grain group equals one slice of bread, 1 cup of ready-to-eat unsweetened cereal, 1/2 cup of cold cereal or 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta. Most grain choices should be whole grain. Whole grains are high in fiber and can help aid in blood sugar control. Fiber also slows digestion, helping to control hunger.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods contain calcium and vitamin D necessary for bone health and growth. But some dairy products, including milk and yogurt, contain carbohydrates. Your teen needs 3 cups of dairy products a day to meet nutrient needs and to control carbohydrate intake. A 1-cup serving equals 1 cup of milk or yogurt or 1 1/2 oz. of cheese. Teens should be eating mostly low-fat or nonfat dairy products to limit both fat and calorie intake.
Meat and Meat Alternatives
Meat and meat alternatives provide protein, iron and zinc, important nutrients for growth. Teens need 5 to 6 oz. of meat or meat alternatives a day. A 1-oz. serving equals 1 oz. of beef, pork, chicken or fish, one egg, 1 tbsp. of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of cooked beans or 1/4 cup of tofu. Meat choices should be lean, such as white meat poultry, beef eye of round or lean pork chops, to limit both fat and calorie intake.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils add flavor to food but are concentrated sources of calories. Your teen should limit her intake to about three servings a day, with one serving equal to 1 tsp. of margarine, butter or oil, five large olives or 2 tbsp. of low-fat salad dressing.
