Diabetic Meal Plans for Children

[chell]

Can someone give me some ideas for meals for a diabetic child? Just stuff in general about how much of what they can have. My sister needs the information. She just needs some ideas to get her through until their appointment with a dietician. Thanks!

 

[mrsv98]

Here is what looks like a great site. It has recipes and links to other information. HTH!

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_08_200.htm

 

[chell]

Thanks!

 

[Pin Wizard]

I hope it's not too long until that appointment. Lots of factors go into it...age, weight, type of meds and dosage, amount of exercise, etc. We found out in April that DS is diabetic. His doc admitted him to the children's hospital where we both had training for three days! Hope he's doing fine and feeling good soon.

 

[chell]

Thanks Sandy. She just had her first foster child placed with her recently and it's her first experience with a child with diabetes. The case workers are trying to get everything scheduled, but we all know appointments can take a while.

 

[chell]

Thanks Lisa!

 

[Talking Hands]

Lisa what is appropriate for a child with type 1 diabetes may not be the same as what is appropriate for an adult diabetic. Is your husband a type 1 diabetic or is he type 2.
The website recommended is an excellent site for children with diabetes.

 

[Zurg]

Call your local childerens hospital and get advice form them - don't mix and match information from sources that are not current with the type of diabetes you are working with.

Our DS is type 1.
Insulin dependant.
3 shots a day.

If the child is type 1 what matter is that they get ENOUGH carbs. otherwise the insulin will draw the blood sugar down to potentially life risking levels.

Don't cut back on carbs (sugar) becasue you think it is the thing to do. To little is the short term issue if they are taking insulin.

If it is type 1 have cake mate (the colored icing for decorating cakes) in the house so that if they go low you can get glucose into them.

It isn't hard to work with but you need the correct instructions to follow.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I admire you mothers with diabetic children. My father was a brittle diabetic and it was difficult to keep his blood sugar stable. I know you put a lot of time into planning meals. You must feel your whole world revolves around food.

I once taught a diabetic 2nd grader. I quickly put a stop to all of the treats, candy and desserts that were brought into the classroom. It just wasn't fair to my student. I had parents bring in fruit trays or low fat, low sugar food. I realized how many times as a teacher that I gave away candy as a reward. I started giving stickers, homework passes etc.

It must be difficult for children to monitor themselves at school or away from home when we as a society are around food all of the time.

Lori

 

[zurgswife]

I admire you mothers with diabetic children

LOL!! I think I'd add fathers too as Zurg is a dad...

I once taught a diabetic 2nd grader. I quickly put a stop to all of the treats, candy and desserts that were brought into the classroom. It just wasn't fair to my student

In my sons life I've found it is better to leave everything as normal...he needs to learn how to deal with the fact that sweets are every where....He can have sugary sweets periodically...and that's what he does he has them every now and again..

but to the OP definately don't wait....you need to have the proper information about the diabeties as soon as possible...

 

[chell]

Originally posted by zurgswife
but to the OP definately don't wait....you need to have the proper information about the diabeties as soon as possible...

My sister isn't waiting, she just has to wait for them to work her in.

Thanks for all the help. She does seem to be doing very well with meals right now. Her sugar has been great the past few days.

 

[Mom2Angels]

Hi, I'm a type 1 diabetic for about 18 years now on insulin. I just got a insulin pump this week and have been working with a dietician and pump therapist. I asked the dietician today and she said this website is a great help -

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/index_cwd.htm

here are a few others -

http://www.diabetesliving.com/

http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp

There are also Glucose tablets made for treating low blood sugar, they are made by ReliOn and come in different flavors, I love the orange. You can buy them at Walmart or any drug store. A half cup of soda, or juice will also do the trick.

I count how many carbs I'm going to have in my meal and adjust my insulin accordingly. If you count carbs correctly you should not have to many problems with low or high blood sugar.

I love my pump, it is so strange not to have to take shots. And my blood sugars have been under much better control.

Debbie