Children with diabetes do not need to be on very strict meal plans where everything they eat has been predetermined for them. That’s really not a good way to live your life. Instead, children should be taught how to make good and healthy eating decisions. The best way to do this is to develop a meal plan for your child.
What is a meal plan?
Meal plans are not the same as strict diets, which tell you exactly which foods to eat. Instead, they act as guidelines, in the way that they inform you which is the best food to eat for you at which time. Essentially, it helps you to pick the food you eat in an informed way. In terms of diabetes, the meal plan is designed to reduce your need for insulin and regulate your blood sugar levels.
Types of meal plans
As far as diabetes is concerned, there are three types of meal plans. You should workout which one is best for you with your doctor or health professional.
Also Read : 3 Best Ways to Manage Diabetes in Kids
Constant carbohydrate meal plans
This plan requires the child to eat a certain amount of carbs during each meal or snack. The child then takes insulin at the same time each day according to the amount of carbs they have eaten.
Carbohydrate counting meal plan
This plan focuses on carb counting to make it so that your child’s insulin does match the amount of carbs they have eaten. This is typically the best plan for children who require an insulin shot with each meal.
Exchange meal plan
This meal plan chooses to not focus solely on carb consumption. Instead, it determines the serving size for foods in each food group. Your child knows how much of which food they are allowed to eat at each meal.
None of these plans will cure your child’s type-2 diabetes on their own. But combined with the right amount of diet and exercise, there is a chance to reverse the condition. Type-1 diabetes is non-curable however.
Also Read : Childhood Obesity: Causes and Cure
