Food for Your Child with Diabetes
Food gives us the energy we need to do all the things we love to do every day; it is the fuel that your child’s body cells need to be able to think, work, and play. Nutrition is important for everyone and meal planning is an important part of any diabetes management plan. Your child’s healthcare team will help your child make a meal plan that is just for him/her. Your child’s plan will include foods from all food groups. There is no reason that your child can't still have all his/her favorite foods — it's a matter of planning the best types and amounts of foods for your child.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy. Carbohydrates are broken down by digestion into glucose (sugar) for use as energy. Carbohydrates
normally affect your child’s blood sugar quickly, but last for a shorter period of time. Many people count carbohydrates as part of their meal plan
because they can affect your blood sugar more than other food groups. Carbohydrate foods are found in bread, fruit, and milk groups.
Fats
Fats are a concentrated source of energy and usually affect your child’s blood sugar slowly, but last for a longer period of time. It may be best for
everyone to try to limit the amount of fat they eat. There are different kinds of fats: monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and saturated fats.
The better fats are monounsaturated fats and are found in olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil. Foods that contain the highest amounts of saturated fats
are whole milk, butter, lard, bacon, red meats, sour cream, and some cheeses. Saturated fats have been shown to increase the risk of fat buildup in
arteries. It is best for your child to avoid saturated fats and get most of his/her fat calories from monounsaturated fat.
Proteins
Proteins are building blocks for growth and maintenance of muscle, skin, and energy. Proteins affect blood sugar less than carbohydrates. Foods that
contain proteins are meat, poultry, vegetables, fish, soy, and beans. Lean proteins are best as part of your child’s meal plan.
Water
Drinking enough water (6-8 glasses per day) is important for everyone and is part of a well-balanced meal plan.
Fiber
Digestion works better and your child may be healthier when fiber is included in his/her diet. Including fiber in your child’s meal plan can help to
lower cholesterol and may help with weight loss and managing blood sugars in a healthy range. Foods that contain fiber are oat bran, oatmeal, dried beans
and peas, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables.
Food Labels
Most foods have a "Nutrition Facts" label, which can give you and your child important information. You and your child can see the total number of
calories per serving as well as the amount of calories from fat. You and your child can also see information about serving size, salt, carbohydrates,
cholesterol, and fiber.
For more information on helping your child to eat well with diabetes, please work with a dietician, meal planner or look at the ADA’s recommendations for kids at diabetes.org.