What should I consider when making my child's diabetes meal plan?

You will also want to meet with a dietitian and work out an eating plan. Make sure to take into consideration your child’s likes and dislikes, how your family usually eats, any cultural or religious influences, how to include treats, and how to handle special events.

• You will help your child and your family if you all eat the same foods.
• Don’t prepare one dish for the rest of the family and a special meal for your child with diabetes.
• Make sure to involve your child in the meal planning, and ask him what foods he would like to include in his eating plan.

Also talk to your child’s teachers and school officials or day care providers about any special needs your child has. Once you and your child figure out the daily routine and work out ways to deal with special events and circumstances, you will both feel better about living with diabetes.

Consider your child’s preferences, nutrient needs and the carbohydrate content of food when offering a meal plan to a child. A Registered Dietitian can prescribe nutrient and carbohydrate needs that promote healthy growth, development and blood glucose levels.

Foods contain a combination of 3 macronutrients fat, carbohydrate and protein of which all are eventually broken down into glucose to affect blood glucose levels. Strive for healthy blood glucose levels by including healthy fats, protein and carbohydrate at every meal and snack. Carbohydrate affects blood glucose directly and must be planned and monitored. High carbohydrate nutrient dense food to include are legumes, beans, soy or dairy, whole grains, and fruits at meals. Food low in carbohydrate are vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil, and proteins including lean meat, and nuts.