There are many popular myths about diabetes. One of these is that diabetics are banned from cake and cookies for life -- a truly dreadful fate for any child. The truth is, your child does not have to give up all his favorite sweets and treats, you just have to help him plan his desserts carefully. It may be helpful to replace refined white sugars in your child's diet with natural sugars, which have a lower glycemic index. Glycemic index is a measure of how fast a particular food raises your blood sugar. For children with diabetes, it is important to prevent blood sugar spikes by carefully monitoring the type and amount of carbohydrates they consume.
Fruit
A diabetic diet is identical to a healthy diet for an ordinary individual unaffected by illness. Diabetic children should eat well-balanced meals complete with low-fat proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Teach your child to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. For younger children, it may help to cut fruit into interesting shapes and sizes -- banana "coins" are always popular. Make a smoothie with plain, low-fat yogurt and ask your child to help you pick out fruit add-ins. Avoid fruit juices as they tend to contain added refined sugar.
Raw Honey
You may have to visit the local farmers market to find raw, unrefined honey, but it will be worth the trip. Raw honey has a naturally low glycemic index and is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients. Raw honey can often be used interchangeably with white sugar in baked goods and your child will never know the difference. Honey and corn syrup should never be given to children who are under the age of 12 months as they are at risk of developing infant botulism.
Agave Necter
Agave necter is a natural sweetener extracted from a native plant of Mexico. Like raw honey, agave has a naturally low glycemic index which makes it an ideal sweetener for diabetic children. Agave is also sweeter than honey, so you can use it in smaller quantities.
Other Sugars
There are plenty of other natural sugars available including maple syrup, brown rice syrup, molasses, date sugar, barley malt syrup and cane juice. These sugars vary considerably in their glycemic index, but are acceptable for diabetic children. The most important thing with any sugar, refined or natural, is to give them to your diabetic child in small amounts as occasional treats. Talk to your healthcare provider about developing nutritious meal and snack plans for your child.
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