Managing diabetes in childhood is often more difficult and complex than managing the illness at an older age. Not only should health issues be dealt with, namely maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, but making sure a child can do all the other things children of their age can do is critical. Controlling a child’s food intake and eating pattern will be a huge benefit to any childhood affected by diabetes.

Children suffering from diabetes do not need a special diet. They should be encouraged to eat sensibly and healthy avoiding quick acting carbohydrates and saturated fats. If the entire family attempt to change their eating habits to fit around this kind of diet, it will make it much easier on the child.

Like all diabetes sufferers, children must have regular meals. Skipping meals due to a child’s lifestyle (sleeping in or staying out late) can result in 'hypos' if insulin doses remain unchanged.

If a child refuses to eat, it is important to make sure that the child is not feeling unwell. Make sure that the child gets plenty of drinks at this time, if possible, milk and fruit juices.

If a child binge eats it is important to check whether it is just because they need more food due to increased exercise or a growth spurt or if they are just eating more. Insulin should be adjusted according to growth and a health professional should be able to help identify if this is the case. If the overeating does not appear to be for any identifiable reason it may be that the child is not managing well with diabetes. It is not unusual for children and young adolescents especially to rebel against the disease and express this through irregular eating patterns.

There are a few tips and considerations to take in to account when watching the intake of a child suffering from diabetes.

The first is to remember that children’s eating patterns change a lot. They go through fads and phases so try to keep an eye on their food intake and adjust accordingly.

You should be careful not to provide too many unhealthy snacks to a child. Sweets, crisps and soft drinks full of sugar will ruin a child’s appetite for healthier foods.

Try to remember that punishment will not solve a child’s eating problem. Persuasion and encouragement will be far more beneficial.

Above all, remember that if you have any concerns to speak to a dietician as soon as possible.

Jason Ladock

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