Diet for type1 diabetes kids

Type 1 diabetes or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas that help regulate blood glucose levels.

Type 1 diabetes is the leading cause of diabetes in children of all ages, and in those less than 10 years of age. A therapeutic diet plays an important role in the management of type 1 diabetes in children and kids. The basic objectives of type 1 diabetes diet for children are:

·         To maintain optimal nutrition so as to provide for adequate growth, development and maintenance.

·         To achieve and maintain a desirable body weight.

·         To provide relief from symptoms

·         To maintain normal blood sugar levels.

·         To prevent, delay or minimize the onset of chronic degenerative complications.

Keeping in mind these objectives the diet planned for Type 1 diabetes children is a diet that includes all food groups and distributing calories in terms of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat in the diet for children with type 1 diabetes should be such that it maintains optimum blood glucose levels and favors the growth and development of type 1 diabetes children.

·         Protein: proteins should provide about 20% of the total energy in the diabetes type 1 diet because the metabolism of protein to glucose is slower; also, kids require more protein to meet growth and development needs.

·         Fats: Fats must provide 25-30% of the total calories mainly from unsaturated fatty acids.

·         Carbohydrates: Carbohydrate must provide 55-70% of total calories. Not only the amount of carbohydrate but the type of carbohydrate and its distribution between meals is extremely important.  More of the carbohydrate must be given as complex starches or fibres rather than simple sugars as they breakdown more slowly to release glucose. The presence of fibre in complex carbohydrate like grains, vegetables etc increases intestinal transit time, delays gastric emptying, slows glucose absorption and improves sensitivity to insulin. 

In all diabetes type 1 diet, the amount and time of food intake particularly the carbohydrate, should be controlled to prevent fluctuations of blood glucose beyond the normal range. Type 1 diabetes kids should avoid fasting or feasting, adjustments should be made for exercise and appetite.
1. Foods with lower cholesterol content help the diabetics to prevent from cardiovascular diseases. Lettuce is not only low in its cholesterol content but also contains only 3 % of carbohydrates.
2. Kidney beans are rich in fibre and proteins with a reasonable amount of complex carbohydrates.

3. Tomatoes are not only low in carbohydrates but also help to control the glucose level in the urine.

4. Juice of Brussels sprout mixed with the juice of Kidney beans is considered natural remedy for diabetes. It works by stimulating the production of insulin thus lowering down the blood sugar levels.

5. Soya beans not only control blood sugar level it also regulates the elevated glucose levels in the urine of the diabetics. Soya beans are rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates.

6. Vegetables like onions and garlic are also good for diabetics.

7. Bitter gourd also lowers the blood and urine sugar levels as it contains natural hypoglycemic agents.