Juvenile Diabetes Diet

Dietary recommendations for young people with diabetes are substantially the same as the general population in this country. Children with diabetes need to eat a balanced diet to maintain their blood glucose levels within normal range. Because of this need to control blood sugar, they must eat food in quantities according to how they affect blood sugar levels.

Discovering that their child has diabetes can be quite shocking for many parents. One of the hardest parts of any change in lifestyle with diabetes is learning to prepare meals and snacks. This can be doubly difficult for the parents of a child with diabetes because following the dietary advice of the doctor and a dietitian can affect the entire household.

Trying to know what foods to feed a child with diabetes can be confusing at first. There is a wealth of information in books and on websites, but most parents can be overwhelming to try to understand it all. What is important for parents of children newly diagnosed with diabetes should do is learn to identify good and bad information.

The best place to start is the American Diabetes Association, where they will find the diabetes food pyramid. This pyramid is a bit like USDA food pyramid that everyone is familiar with a difference. The USDA food pyramid class by the group they are in the food that the diabetic food groups according to their structure of carbohydrates, protein and fat and divided into an amount of servings for each. There are six groups that make up the pyramid diabetic and they include starches, proteins, fats, meats, fruits and vegetables.

If we take a look at each category we can get a better understanding of each and how they fit into a diabetic diet well balanced.

Starches and grains: These are the main sources of carbohydrates for everyone. These include foods like whole grains, rye, oats and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn. This group also includes dried beans such as pinto beans and Black Eyed Peas. The proposed number of serving per day is six to eleven years. There is a vast and should be customized to individual needs and objectives with a dietician.

Vegetables: Vegetables should always be a part of each meal plan. They are full of vital nutrients, are low in fat and high in fiber, which all contribute to good health. Diabetics should have three to five servings per day. It is important to note that starchy foods are not included in this category and should not be replaced in this group of the pyramid.

Fruits: Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and carbohydrates. The portions are determined by the individual fruit and offered to serve two to four per day.

Milk: Milk and dairy products are essential in that they contain protein, calcium and many vitamins we need each day. Because they may contain a significant amount of fat, it is best to choose low fat or fat-free versions of these products. The pyramid recommends two to three servings per day.

Meat and meat products: Meat and meat products are a major source of protein for all people. They also provide vitamins, minerals and amino acids the body needs to function healthily. Choose only lean cuts and trim off any visible fat to help maintain the amount of saturated fat intake to a minimum.

Fats, sweets and alcohol: Although diabetics can take part of them, it is recommended to keep their use in the preparation of meals and snacks to a minimum. For juvenile diabetes which is important in that it teaches them habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

The American Diabetes Association is a good starting point when it comes to learning to feed a juven.