November 14 marks World Diabetes Day every year. In India, it coincides with Children's Day. Diabetes has become an epidemic and doesn't spare our young population too. Managing diabetes in children is especially difficult since they are still developing and growing, making them vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, and a halt in their development if care is not taken. While type 1 is the most frequent form of diabetes in children, there has been an increase in the number of occurrences of type 2 diabetes in younger people. Those with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that cannot produce insulin. Glucose levels in the blood rise too high without insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes, is now more prevalent among children and adolescents due to increased obesity rates. The main reason behind it is sedentary lifestyles and poor diets.
Diet for children with diabetes
Being watchful of sugar, Image Source: Pexels
Experts agree that nutrition therapy, exercise, and medication are all crucial components of diabetes control. Children's nutritional needs differ from adults because they are still growing. Yet, kids with diabetes are no different from their healthy peers regarding their nutritional needs. The need to meet dietary needs without affecting blood sugar levels increases. Children with type 1 diabetes can now lead more normal lives because of advances in treatment, such as insulin pumps and flexible injection schedules that eliminate the need for strict food supervision.
Meal preparations tailored to your specific needs striking a balance between an ideal therapeutic diet and occasional allowances is crucial for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels, so it's vital to think about things like dietary preferences, culture, physical activity, and schedule.
What should be included in a diet for children with diabetes, according to experts?
A well-rounded diet
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Fruits and vegetables, grains and other cereals, beans and other pulses, milk and milk products, and meat and fish should all be part of a healthy, well-rounded diet to ensure that dietary shortages are avoided.
Carbohydrate
It is crucial to regulate blood sugar levels by balancing insulin with carbohydrate consumption. Carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels rapidly and necessitate insulin production for absorption. It takes between two and four hours for sugars to enter the bloodstream. Therefore blood sugar levels should be monitored two to four hours after meals (depending on the complexity of the meal).
Fibre
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Children with diabetes would benefit significantly from increasing their fibre intake. Dietary fibre lowers a meal's glycemic index and makes for more substantial bowel movements. Soluble fibre is the kind that dissolves in water, while insoluble fibre remains in the body. Some examples include psyllium husk, fruit and vegetable skins, and entire grains.
Protein
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The body can't function properly without proteins, which play a crucial role in cell repair and tissue building. Meals with a low glycemic index and a steady release of glucose from protein and complex carbs are the healthiest option. Protein-rich foods that can be included in the diet of children with diabetes include pulses, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, soya, milk, and milk products.
Fat
Consuming a high-fat diet has been connected with heart disease in patients with type 1 diabetes, even though doing so promotes satiety and decreases the glycemic index of meals. Therefore, it is important to limit saturated and trans fats intake and keep monthly oil consumption below half a litre per person.
What food must be avoided:
A boy eating pizza, Image Source: Pexels
The child can eat anything, but meal preparation and grocery shopping are essential. Diabetes increases heart disease risk. Therefore, keep the child away from cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans-fat-containing meals. Avoid salty foods. Excess salt can raise blood pressure.
Limit fast-acting sugars, including candy, cookies, icing, and soda. Insulin with a meal is optimal. Carb counting adjusts insulin. Just track those carbs throughout the day.
