If your child has been recently diagnosed as diabetic, you may worry about compliance with their new diet. That is because children are often partial to sweets, fast foods, and processed foods. There is a common misconception that these foods could never play a big role in a diabetic diet plan. Well, the truth is that a diabetic diet plan is usually not much different than a diet designed for normal healthy kids. The important thing is that this diet should be balanced. All children need a mix of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and healthy fats to help them grow optimally.

A diabetic diet plan usually involves managing the intake of carbs. Carbohydrates will affect blood sugar more than other nutrients. Therefore, it is important to manage the intake of carbohydrates effectively through a proper diet plan. High-fiber foods such as vegetables and grains should help reduce blood sugar spikes. Whole grains are also a good inclusion in a diabetic diet. Balance and moderation is key. Ask yourself, what is the goal of this diabetic diet? A very common answer to that question is, “…to keep my blood glucose within normal ranges for as much of the time as possible.”

As mentioned above, a Diabetes Diet Plan will most likely contain lots of fiber and a balanced number of carbs. Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes will find that the amount of carbohydrates they eat inevitably determines the dose of insulin they need. This is because often Type 1 diabetics produce no insulin at all. In this case, it is common for an insulin pump to be prescribed. An insulin pump supplies insulin based on your doctors input and the real time input from a diabetic testing meter or continuous blood glucose monitoring system. With a little help from your clinician and the patient, this pump can administer insulin to the patient just as if it were a working pancreas.

You should also remember that adhering to the right treatment plan is crucial to keeping your diabetic children healthy. It is vital to work closely with a doctor when developing both the medical and diet plan for your child. Each patient is different. Always consult with your clinician.

Some diet plans have changed up some preconceptions. A popular one involves eating more often but in smaller amounts. The basic idea behind this diet plan is simple. If you eat more frequently but less often, you will even out blood sugar spikes which may be caused by eating a lot in one setting. Since you are eating often, but never eating a lot, these spikes may not be as severe or they may be avoided altogether. Diets like this are why one must consult their doctor. Each patient is unique and only your doctor may be qualified to suggest a diet program customized for you or a loved one.

In conclusion, a diabetes diet plan is an essential piece of one’s overall diabetes treatment. Not only can a planned diet help control blood sugar spikes, over time it can also minimize the severity of the symptoms and consequences of diabetes. A healthy diet also helps a patient develop physical fitness along with emotional and social growth. When possible, work with your child and follow a similar diet as well. It will be easier for your child to stick with a diet and exercise plan if you are also eating healthy and playing with them. In general, children suffering from type 1 diabetes should always work closely with their clinician, eat a balanced diet, participate in aerobic activities, and have a healthy plan for their future.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.