Help! Type 1 Diabetes and Food Ideas.

[bengalbelle]

My friend's 6 year old son was just diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. They should be coming home from the hospital over the weekend and I'd like to make some things for them to eat so the mom doesn't have to cook, but I know this isn't like making a casserole and taking it over. Can anyone give me some ideas? So far, I've thought of roasting a chicken and bringing vegetables and fruit. Ideas for food that refrigerate/re-heat well will really help.

Also, the mom is very upset and really overwhelmed at the moment. If you have any other ideas of things I can bring or do to help please post them. I've offered to clean and run errands for her already.
Thanks!

 

[ItsonlyExperiment626]

Go to www.diabetic-recipes.com they have a whole assortment of recipes on the website.

 

[puffkin]

Hi, sorry to hear about your friends son. It is nice of you to try to do something for them. My DH was diagnosed with Type I at age six, and my younger brother at age five, so I have lived with it for over 20 years.

Honestly, kids with Diabetes can eat pretty much anything they want. It is all about moderation and determining their trigger foods. Certain foods just trigger high sugars in certain kids for no apparent reason. Even certain artificial sweetners can, so you have to be careful until you figure out what these are. There is no need to completely avoid sugar in his diet, you just need to be smart about it.

Right now the mom is going to be devastated and feel guilty and be upset. That is only natural. Just reassure her that her son can lead an absolutely, 100% normal life. He will be able to do EVERYTHING that the other kids can do, and eventual it will just become a routine part of his life, like putting in contacts or something like that. She will probably analyze everything he eats, read lots of labels, and stick to "safe" foods for awhile until they learn how his body reacts and learn how to read his signs.

I think your idea of roasted chicken and vegetables is a good meal idea. Avoid things that are mixed together or in sauces right now until she gets used to what he can and can't eat. I wouldn't do fruit though, there is a lot of sugar in fruit (even though it is natural occurring). That could be a trigger for him. I would try some sugar free instant pudding or jello (make pudding with skim milk).

Try not to push too many sugar free products on them. Honestly, many of them taste gross and some that contain sorbitol (I think that is the name) can cause some unpleasant bathroom experiences. The kid might also feel punished if he has to eat all these weird things when his friends don't have to. I know in my experience, they would rather eat half a regular candy bar than a whole candy bar of the sugar free kind. They will eventually discover products that work and don't work for them, but it is a gradual process.

Finally, I would put together little kits for them. They might not think to do this. These are emergency kits for incase his sugar would drop low. I would put together in a box or bag some icing (in the decorators tubes), life savers or similar candies, and maybe some high sugar juice boxes (something that won't go bad). They should have these things on hand in the car and at home, at school, and any other place he spends a lot of time. Especially when they are young, their sugar can drop very quickly, and you need to have things on hand to bring it back up quickly.

Hope this helps, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

 

[piratesmate]

First, I think it is so sweet of you to do this! I'm sure his mother will greatly appreciate it!

I'm a type I diabetic & have been for 30+ years. Anything "combined" (like casseroles) are difficult, but not impossible. It's best, though, to stay away from them for now - while they figure out what works & what doesn't for him.

"Plain" food is best - roasted meat (beef, pork, chicken) with potatoes & veggies on the side. Baked ham is another good one as long as you don't rub brown sugar on the outside.

Assuming he's on insulin, starchy foods will be limited but cannot be ignored altogether. However, there are some veggies that count as a starch/bread item: corn, peas, lima beans. It would be better to take some sort of potato dish and green beans or carrots. How about scalloped or mashed potatoes? Just don't add cream cheese to mashed or a bunch of cheese to the scalloped - too much fat is also bad. I also stay away from boxed scalloped potatoes - did you ever read the label?!?

Meatloaf would be okay as long as you limit how much ketchup you put in it. Ketchup has too much sugar in it to be considered a "free" food the way most of us think about it.

If you take a garden salad (we eat lots of those because most raw veggies don't really count) be careful about the dressing. Most low-fat dressings have increased sugar content - evidently they use it to help with the consistency when they reduce the fat.

You might want to consider taking along a Jello salad using the sugar free stuff. I don't think it tastes weird with the new sweeteners (not like 30 yrs ago - yuck!) and it will seem like "real" food. Or even Knox Blocks using the sugar free - as they're always a hit with kids.

Whatever you take, I'd suggest that you provide the mother with a list of everything that went into what you bring. It wouldn't have to be the full recipe, just ingredients. Something like:
ham, cloves, mustard
potatoes, flour, milk, margarine/butter substitute/whatever, salt, pepper
sugar free jello, pineapple packed in juice......
Then she won't be left to wonder if something is truly "safe" for him or not.

I mention that because when I was first diagnosed I went to eat dinner with my grandparents. My grandfather was also diabetic. So when the Jello salad was served it never occurred to me that it wasn't okay to eat it...especially when I saw the pile Gram gave Grandpop! Well, I ended up in the hospital because she'd used real Jello. Here she'd been giving it to Grandpop for years!

 

[bengalbelle]

Hi, sorry to hear about your friends son. It is nice of you to try to do something for them. My DH was diagnosed with Type I at age six, and my younger brother at age five, so I have lived with it for over 20 years.

Honestly, kids with Diabetes can eat pretty much anything they want. It is all about moderation and determining their trigger foods. Certain foods just trigger high sugars in certain kids for no apparent reason. Even certain artificial sweetners can, so you have to be careful until you figure out what these are. There is no need to completely avoid sugar in his diet, you just need to be smart about it.

Right now the mom is going to be devastated and feel guilty and be upset. That is only natural. Just reassure her that her son can lead an absolutely, 100% normal life. He will be able to do EVERYTHING that the other kids can do, and eventual it will just become a routine part of his life, like putting in contacts or something like that. She will probably analyze everything he eats, read lots of labels, and stick to "safe" foods for awhile until they learn how his body reacts and learn how to read his signs.

I think your idea of roasted chicken and vegetables is a good meal idea. Avoid things that are mixed together or in sauces right now until she gets used to what he can and can't eat. I wouldn't do fruit though, there is a lot of sugar in fruit (even though it is natural occurring). That could be a trigger for him. I would try some sugar free instant pudding or jello (make pudding with skim milk).

Try not to push too many sugar free products on them. Honestly, many of them taste gross and some that contain sorbitol (I think that is the name) can cause some unpleasant bathroom experiences. The kid might also feel punished if he has to eat all these weird things when his friends don't have to. I know in my experience, they would rather eat half a regular candy bar than a whole candy bar of the sugar free kind. They will eventually discover products that work and don't work for them, but it is a gradual process.

Finally, I would put together little kits for them. They might not think to do this. These are emergency kits for incase his sugar would drop low. I would put together in a box or bag some icing (in the decorators tubes), life savers or similar candies, and maybe some high sugar juice boxes (something that won't go bad). They should have these things on hand in the car and at home, at school, and any other place he spends a lot of time. Especially when they are young, their sugar can drop very quickly, and you need to have things on hand to bring it back up quickly.

Hope this helps, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Thank you.
My friend is completely devastated right now. The doctors told her many kids who have a blood sugar as high as he did (I can't remember if it was 840 or 860) are in a coma. She feels guilty for not recognizing it sooner and she realizes that holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas will never be the same. I know she'll get into a routine but she just has so much going on right now.
I know they said meat and vegetables are like free food for him. He has to eat 3 carbs per meal, I think. I tried so hard to remember what she was telling me but I know I'm forgetting things. They said no to sugar free candy and snacks. I know milk has to be skim or 1%. I know she's going to start cooking/baking with Splenda.
They're trying to switch from insulin 4x/day to 2x/day, but told him he may "crash" doing this. Your idea for the emergency kits are great! I know she said something about a shot they have to keep in case he crashes (I really hate that term), but I'm going to make up a few kits for her anyway.

 

[bengalbelle]

First, I think it is so sweet of you to do this! I'm sure his mother will greatly appreciate it!

I'm a type I diabetic & have been for 30+ years. Anything "combined" (like casseroles) are difficult, but not impossible. It's best, though, to stay away from them for now - while they figure out what works & what doesn't for him.

"Plain" food is best - roasted meat (beef, pork, chicken) with potatoes & veggies on the side. Baked ham is another good one as long as you don't rub brown sugar on the outside.

Assuming he's on insulin, starchy foods will be limited but cannot be ignored altogether. However, there are some veggies that count as a starch/bread item: corn, peas, lima beans. It would be better to take some sort of potato dish and green beans or carrots. How about scalloped or mashed potatoes? Just don't add cream cheese to mashed or a bunch of cheese to the scalloped - too much fat is also bad. I also stay away from boxed scalloped potatoes - did you ever read the label?!?

Meatloaf would be okay as long as you limit how much ketchup you put in it. Ketchup has too much sugar in it to be considered a "free" food the way most of us think about it.

If you take a garden salad (we eat lots of those because most raw veggies don't really count) be careful about the dressing. Most low-fat dressings have increased sugar content - evidently they use it to help with the consistency when they reduce the fat.

You might want to consider taking along a Jello salad using the sugar free stuff. I don't think it tastes weird with the new sweeteners (not like 30 yrs ago - yuck!) and it will seem like "real" food. Or even Knox Blocks using the sugar free - as they're always a hit with kids.

Whatever you take, I'd suggest that you provide the mother with a list of everything that went into what you bring. It wouldn't have to be the full recipe, just ingredients. Something like:
ham, cloves, mustard
potatoes, flour, milk, margarine/butter substitute/whatever, salt, pepper
sugar free jello, pineapple packed in juice......
Then she won't be left to wonder if something is truly "safe" for him or not.

I mention that because when I was first diagnosed I went to eat dinner with my grandparents. My grandfather was also diabetic. So when the Jello salad was served it never occurred to me that it wasn't okay to eat it...especially when I saw the pile Gram gave Grandpop! Well, I ended up in the hospital because she'd used real Jello. Here she'd been giving it to Grandpop for years!

Thank you for the tip on the potatoes. I'm not a very creative cook so I'll keep it simple.
The jello salad sounds good, but I've never heard of Knox Blocks. Can you tell me what that is?
I'll also be sure to list the ingredients for her, that's a great idea. I certainly don't want to make things more difficult for her by making her try to figure it out. I'd just like to take some of the pressure off so she can focus on him and make plans to move forward.

 

[bengalbelle]

Go to www.diabetic-recipes.com they have a whole assortment of recipes on the website.

Thanks for the link. I'll check that out before I go shopping.

 

[bengalbelle]

Hi, sorry to hear about your friends son. It is nice of you to try to do something for them. My DH was diagnosed with Type I at age six, and my younger brother at age five, so I have lived with it for over 20 years.

Honestly, kids with Diabetes can eat pretty much anything they want. It is all about moderation and determining their trigger foods. Certain foods just trigger high sugars in certain kids for no apparent reason. Even certain artificial sweetners can, so you have to be careful until you figure out what these are. There is no need to completely avoid sugar in his diet, you just need to be smart about it.

Right now the mom is going to be devastated and feel guilty and be upset. That is only natural. Just reassure her that her son can lead an absolutely, 100% normal life. He will be able to do EVERYTHING that the other kids can do, and eventual it will just become a routine part of his life, like putting in contacts or something like that. She will probably analyze everything he eats, read lots of labels, and stick to "safe" foods for awhile until they learn how his body reacts and learn how to read his signs.

I think your idea of roasted chicken and vegetables is a good meal idea. Avoid things that are mixed together or in sauces right now until she gets used to what he can and can't eat. I wouldn't do fruit though, there is a lot of sugar in fruit (even though it is natural occurring). That could be a trigger for him. I would try some sugar free instant pudding or jello (make pudding with skim milk).

Try not to push too many sugar free products on them. Honestly, many of them taste gross and some that contain sorbitol (I think that is the name) can cause some unpleasant bathroom experiences. The kid might also feel punished if he has to eat all these weird things when his friends don't have to. I know in my experience, they would rather eat half a regular candy bar than a whole candy bar of the sugar free kind. They will eventually discover products that work and don't work for them, but it is a gradual process.

Finally, I would put together little kits for them. They might not think to do this. These are emergency kits for incase his sugar would drop low. I would put together in a box or bag some icing (in the decorators tubes), life savers or similar candies, and maybe some high sugar juice boxes (something that won't go bad). They should have these things on hand in the car and at home, at school, and any other place he spends a lot of time. Especially when they are young, their sugar can drop very quickly, and you need to have things on hand to bring it back up quickly.

Hope this helps, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

PS That picture in your signature is hysterical!

 

[bengalbelle]

Sorry, but I have another question. What about honey? In general is it ok?

Thanks again for answering my questions. I do plan to do some reading on this, but right now I just need some quick and safe ideas to get through the next few days.

 

[piratesmate]

Knox Blocks are just jello cubes/shapes you can pick up. The recipe used to be on the box of Knox gelatin - I'd imagine it still is. I'll have to go look for it since I haven't made it in years. (My youngest is 14 now.) You use less water & sprinkle an envelope of Knox over the cold water when you start. It makes them nice & stiff, but not weird.

 

[Allie322]

How about deli meats and cheeses? If I can recall, they were on the "free" list.

 

[swanmom]

My DD's best friend is diabetic. Here's a great resource we found.

The American Diabetes Association

www.diabetes.org

 

[rhanditresmom]

Hi there! I'm a mom to a son with Type I Diabetes. He was diagnosed at the age of 18 months. We have been doing this for 11 years now! But, I have been right where your friend is now. I was 6 months pregnant, too! (with my DD, who does not have diabetes) It is very overwhelming for the first few months, you know you have to do these things...shots, finger sticks, etc...but it is so scary. To top it off, my husband had lost his father from complications several years before...a double whammy for DH.

As for food, my son eats anything he wants AS LONG AS we work it into his meal plan. We make sure we cover any and all carbs that he eats. Casseroles of any nature would be great, but something nice you could do is (try) to make her a "recipe card" of sorts...so she knows what ingredients are in it...that way she can work out the carb to insulin ration. Until she gets used to this, simple meals of meat, rice, potatoes and veggies would be great.

She is lucky to have such a great friend. I had no one except for DH (which was great, don't get me wrong!) You can PM me if you have any questions.

Let her know it does get better!

 

[piratesmate]

How about deli meats and cheeses? If I can recall, they were on the "free" list.

Deli meats & cheeses are extremely limited in my meal plan. They're very high in fat. I haven't been to any training sessions for a while, so things may have changed - but they really frown on me eating them.