Penza endocrinologist told about the nutrition of children with diabetes

Diabetes mellitus of the first type in children requires a special approach to nutrition. A well-designed menu helps to keep glucose normal, avoid complications and ensure the full development of the child. Pediatric endocrinologist Olga Trefilova in the framework of the week of diabetes gave parents some important advice.

According to her, the main task of the family is to learn how to manage sugar levels. Then the diet will remain familiar and tasty. The diet is mandatory: breakfast, lunch, dinner and three snacks. The child should eat at the same time to avoid both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

The basis of the menu should be a “healthy plate”. Proteins of animal origin – lean meat, chicken, fish, cottage cheese – should account for about 65% of the total. Fats are reduced by 25%, giving preference to butter and healthy fats from avocados, nuts and olive oil. With an increase in acetone, fats are temporarily excluded, replacing them with carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy. Preference is given to complex: whole grain bread, cereals, vegetables and legumes. Fruits and berries are consumed under the control of bread units. Sweet drinks, pastries and candy are limited. Trans fats such as margarine are also banned.

To calculate the dose of insulin, use a system of bread units. The daily rate depends on age: children 1-3 years need 10–11 XE, boys 11–14 years old – 18–20 XE, girls of the same age – 16–17 XE. In the “diabetes school”, doctors teach parents to make a diet and correctly evaluate carbohydrates.

Compliance with these rules, a healthy lifestyle and insulin therapy will help a child with diabetes to keep sugar under control without sudden jumps.