Nutritional Recommendations for Children with Diabetes
Children with diabetes have the same recommended nutritional needs just like anyone else. The only difference is that they need to maintain normal blood sugar levels. In order to control these levels children need to consume a well-balanced diet by eating foods in the correct amounts.
One of biggest challenges parents encounter when they discover that their child has diabetes is changing the way they currently prepare meals. Cooking healthy meals for children with diabetes involves learning how to plan meals and snacks within the guidelines recommended by their physician and dietician.
How do parents know what to feed their children? There is no doubt that it can be very confusing. Everywhere we turn we hear and see information about the foods we should eat, and the one’s we should avoid. But how do we know how to separate fad diet crazes from solid reliable information?
The American Diabetes Association has a Diabetes Food Pyramid that outlines daily nutritional requirements. It is a bit different from the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. The food groups are based on carbohydrate, protein, and fat content instead of food classification. Foods are divided into six groups; starches, proteins, fats, meats and meat products, fruits, and vegetables. Each food group is then defined by serving size.
Compared side by side you will notice that the two pyramids have different serving sizes. You may be wondering why? When foods are measured according to content instead of food classification the amount we need to eat changes. For example; you will find that vegetables like peas, corn, and potatoes are in the starchy food section. Peanut butter, eggs, and cheese are in the meat and meat product group.
The Diabetes Pyramid provides a wide range of servings from 1000 calories and above. The exact number of servings children need depends on diabetes management goals, the amount of calories to be consumed, and individual nutritional needs recommended by your Registered Dietician. The number of servings required each and every day includes meals and snacks.
The American Diabetes Association will help you understand the basic principles for healthy eating, meal planning, exchange lists, weight, and exercise. Including a whole host of other issues including diabetes research and prevention, community groups, and current news and updates that help us keep informed.
