Nutrition Education Program DesignFor Youth with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The increased prevalence of childhood obesity has led to rising rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in youth. Recommended nutrition strategies for children with T2DM are not well delineated. Adult recommendations for T2DM do not take into account different stages of physical and psychological growth. Nutrition recommendations for children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) also are not applicable to youth with T2DM, who generally require interventions to promote weight loss. A nutrition education program was developed for youth with T2DM, with attention to current nutrition recommendations and the delivery of nutrition education to obese children, children with T1DM, adults with T2DM, and children with T2DM. Together with program development strategies, a summary of relevant content and mode of delivery is presented for a nutrition education program intended specifically for youth with T2DM at The Hospital for Sick Children.

Responses of Youth With Diabetes and Their Parents to the Youth Eating Perceptions Survey

“…As of 2009, the quarterly dietary interventions at Miller Children’s Hospital Pediatric Endocrine Center were short (10 minutes), and as observed by the current researcher, a language barrier existed in many cases. Perhaps a different educational model, such as the use of videos or hands-on activities, 38 would improve understanding and compliance among the target population. According to a focus group of 4 Latina mothers of youth with T1DM, family-centered treatment should be offered in the appropriate language and at convenient times, such as after school and on the weekends, and should include topics that address the foods of specific cultures.…”