Dietary recommendations for children and adolescents with diabetes†

Abstract

Dietary advice for diabetes has changed significantly over the last ten years, the emphasis being on a total energy intake matched to individual requirements and on the physical as well as chemical structure of food and meals. It is recommended that energy intake is still distributed through the day as regular meals and snacks using a carbohydrate exchange system, but with 50% of dietary energy being derived from carbohydrate sources mainly in complex and unrefined form. This paper considers how far the dietary recommendations for adults can be applied to children.

Relationship between dietary intake in children with diabetes mellitus type I, their management at diagnosis, social factors, anthropometry and glycaemic control

“…In this connection dietary recommendations have changed considerably since the early 1980s, now favouring the intake of more carbohydrate and less protein and fat (3,4). The importance of fibre intake (3) and the type of the fat consumed have also been emphasized (5).…”

Parent Report of Mealtime Behavior and Parenting Stress in Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes and in Healthy Control Subjects

“…The goal of nutrition management is to develop an individualized meal plan based on the child's appetite, food preferences, and lifestyle that is nutritionally adequate and maintains normal growth and development (7,8). Families are instructed to provide the child with a specific amount of foods containing carbohydrates, distributed in regular, nutritionally balanced meals and snacks throughout the day (9). Younger children may have a more difficult time adhering to a specific dietary regimen because of developmental issues (e.g., increased insulin sensitivity, the child's limited cognitive ability, transient food preferences, and emotional lability) (6,10,11).…”