The diet of a child with diabetes

The diagnosis of diabetes in childhood falls like a jug of cold water in the parents, and it is no wonder, since diabetes is a chronic disease that, if not the recommendations and appropriate medical care are respected, can have, in the long run, serious complications. However, children with diabete

The diagnosis of diabetes in childhood falls like a jug of cold water in the parents, and it is no wonder, since diabetes is a chronic disease that, if not the recommendations and appropriate medical care are respected, can have, in the long run, serious complications.

However, children with diabetes do not need to follow a strict diet, but rather respect menu guidelines that ensure a healthy diet that maintains constant blood sugar levels and recommended margins. These guidelines do not impose a strict menu but rather provide general information for choosing foods and for creating correct meal patterns.

How should the diet of a child with diabetes

1. Strict and non-individualized diets recha should be rejected, that if they are not recommended for adults, even less so for children. In the first place, because the physical activity of the child must be taken into account, since their nutritional needs must be met, and a recommendation of 1500 calories for a child who consumes and / or needs it is not the same as for another who, for Being sedentary is not going to consume them or for another who does sports every day and they fall short. Secondly, because the particular tastes of each family must be respected and taken into account, as this will allow a much easier adaptation to the recommendations. A sudden change in the types of food can be rejected and ultimately, be counterproductive.2.

It is also convenient to involve the child en, as long as their age allows, in the preparation of the weekly menus, so that they become aware of their illness and learn to select appropriate foods for each moment. In addition, a strict and boring diet can incite a certain rebelliousness that is not at all desirable. Mantener 3. Maintain a constant supply of complex carbohydrates in the main meals (whole rice or pasta, potatoes ...), and reserve simple carbohydrates, such as fruits, for secondary meals such as lunch and snack, and times when those that are foreseen to an extra expenditure of energy. Limit fat, offering lean pieces of meat and other healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, also useful as an extra contribution of punctual energy. Try to eat legumes in abundance, as they provide high biological value protein if combined with cereals, in addition to a long list of micronutrients and fiber.4. Not because of being diabetic and eating a healthy diet, which on the other hand could be followed by any healthy child, you have to refuse foods such as bread and a snack at lunchtime or for school lunch it's a good option. However,

industrial sweets and pastries should not be consumed , and those made at home, with much moderation.