Eating with Children with Diabetes

Here are some tips:

• Learn to count carbohydrates. Use a notebook in which you write your calculations. Then you know for the next time. Weigh everything in the beginning so you can estimate the portion.

• Healthy eating is a good starting point for the whole family. So lots of vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grain products, low-fat dairy and water, and few snacks and fast foods.

• Start with a regular breakfast and maintain structure throughout the day. Don't skimp on carbs. Children use a lot of energy, and carbohydrates are important for the body.

• If your child doesn't eat his plate, that's a problem if you've given insulin beforehand. But insulin beforehand is important, to deal with blood sugar spikes. Consult with the dietitian about how to divide the insulin before and after the meal.

• If the basis of eating at home is good, children may well have a splurge. Especially if they also do a lot of exercise and sports.

• As your child enters grade 7, you can gradually leave the carbohydrate counting to him more. This is good preparation for the transition to high school.

Suitable snacks:

Preferred:

• Fruit

• Snack vegetables

• Whole wheat bread

In moderation:

• Cookie

• Gingerbread (with less sugar)

• Egg cake

• Long finger

Cookies and candy often contain many calories and nutrients that a child's body (and our own) does not need to stay healthy. When you give something, keep it small. A good guideline for a snack is 75 to 110 kilocalories per piece.

Treats

There are, of course, healthy treats. But what if classmates are treating themselves to candy? Participation is still important. It prevents a later trauma of "I was never allowed to participate. You can give the school treat lists with carbohydrates. You can find these on the website Diabetesopschool.nl

Cake, pancakes, fries and ice cream are popular at children's parties. Aside from lots of carbohydrates, they are also high in fat. When someone has diabetes, this is doubly challenging, and especially here, it is crucial to serve modest portions.

The advice is based on an interview with Tanja Lappenschaar, dietician at Diabeter.