Meal Planning for Children With Type 1 Diabetes (2024)

When you have a child with type 1 diabetes, meal planning is important. Everything your child eats can affect their blood sugar. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you come up with the best plan for your child, but there’s information all parents of kids with this condition should know.

Good Nutrition

Like all children, kids with type 1 diabetes need nutrient-rich foods that help them grow and keep them at a healthy weight. Over the course of a day, your child should get about 15%-25% of their calories from protein, 25%-35% calories from healthy fats, and about 40%-60% from carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are found in most foods -- not just bread and potatoes. They supply the energy that the body and brain need to work their best. Steer your child toward complex carbs such as vegetables and whole grains. They have vitamins and minerals that will keep them healthy, and fiber, which helps control blood sugar levels.

Try to stay away from simple carbs, like white bread and pasta and other processed grains, candy, and frosting. They can raise blood sugar quickly.

The amount of carbs your child needs depends on their weight, age, size, exercise level, and any medicines they’re taking. Your doctor or dietitian can help you figure out the number of grams or serving sizes your child should have each day.

Carb Counting

Many families keep their child’s blood sugar levels steady by counting the number of carbohydrates eaten at every meal or snack, and then adjusting insulin doses for it.

On packaged foods, the number of total carbs per serving is listed on the label. You can subtract the grams of dietary fiber since this isn’t digested. Then multiply the total by how many servings of that food your child eats. If you’re cooking at home or eating out, you can look up carb counts and portion sizes of foods online.

Constant Carbohydrate Plan

Another option is to have your child eat a set amount of carbohydrates at every meal and snack. They’ll need to eat at the same times every day, and also take insulin at set times. You don't have to eat the same foods every day. You just need to stick to the total carbs set for each meal and snack. Keeping to a schedule works well for many kids.

Exchange Meal Plan

With an “exchange plan,” your child’s menu will include the amount they can eat from six different food groups: starch, fruit, milk, fat, vegetables, and meat. One food can be exchanged for another with the same amount of calories, protein, carbs, and fats. In children with type 1, dietitians often will focus on carb exchanges since this affects blood sugars the most. You can find exchange lists online.

Foods To Avoid

There are no specific foods that are off-limits to your child, but there are things to consider when meal planning and grocery shopping.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Because of that, it’s good to steer your child away from fatty foods that contain cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat.

Avoid foods high in salt. Eating too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

Limit sugary foods like candy, cookies, frosting, or soda that raise blood sugar quickly. They’re best given at a meal and with insulin. You'll adjust insulin based on carb counting. Your child doesn’t have to miss out on treats for special occasions like birthdays or Halloween. You'll just have to account for those carbs over the course of the day.

Snacks to Keep on Hand

“Free” snacks like cucumbers and celery or sugar-free gelatin contain very few carbs, so they won’t have much effect on your child’s blood sugar. You can also have “controlled-carb snacks” handyfor between meals. Some good kid-friendly choices: low-fat string cheese, a hard-boiled egg, or a small serving of nuts with a sugar-free drink.

Highs and Lows

If your child eats more than expected or at a different time than you’ve planned, they may get high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. If this happens, you may need to make some adjustments. Talk to your diabetes team about adjusting their meal plan or their doses of insulin or other medication.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause serious problems that need treatment right away. Your child’s glucose levels can drop if they skip a meal or snack or don’t eat as many carbs as expected. It can also happen if they take their insulin at the wrong time or exercises more than usual without eating extra snacks or adjusting their insulin. If your child’s levels are low, give them a sugary food. Regular soda, orange juice, or even cake frosting raises glucose levels quickly.

You can also keep glucose tablets on hand or talk to your doctor about a glucagon kit. Glucagon is a hormone that treats a severe low blood sugar reaction.

Keep Track

Keep a record of your child’s carb intake, insulin doses, and blood sugar readings. These numbers can help you and your doctor see if their meal plan is working.

Meal Planning for Children With Type 1 Diabetes (2024)

FAQs

What should a child with type 1 diabetes eat? ›

Wholegrain cereals and breads, legumes, oats, fruits, and vegetables are rich sources of dietary fibre. Try to include these foods each day. Carbohydrates should not be restricted in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes as it can affect growth and increase the risk of heart disease and poor eating behaviours.

What is a good lunch for a child with type 1 diabetes? ›

Try things like chicken, beef, or vegetable tacos, whole-grain pasta salad with mozzarella and cheese, or roast turkey sandwiches on whole-grain bread.

What is the meal schedule for type 1 diabetes? ›

Eat meals at least 3 to 4 hours apart. This way you will not overlap rapid-acting insulin doses. Do not change your meal times by more than 2 hours. Do your blood sugar checks and eat snacks 2 to 3 hours after each meal.

What is the best meal plan for children and adolescents with diabetes? ›

Whole-grain foods, fruits, and vegetables are great choices because they have fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. Fiber slows the digestion and absorption of sugar and can help keep blood sugar levels in the healthy range.

What are the best eating habits for type 1 diabetes? ›

Try and eat five portions of fruit and veg a day by incorporating them at mealtimes, and swap low fibre carbs, such as white bread, white rice and highly-processed cereals, for wholegrain varieties. You can check food labels when you're looking for foods high in fibre if you're unsure.

What can I give my child with type 1 diabetes? ›

Make sure your child takes insulin or other diabetes medicines as prescribed. Follow the meal plan. Offer meals and snacks that fit into your child's meal plan, with an overall focus on giving lots of healthy choices. Promote exercise and movement.

What is the best breakfast for type 1 diabetes? ›

People with diabetes may need to eat a breakfast that can help balance their blood sugar levels. Diabetes-friendly breakfast options can include eggs with lean protein, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit, and multigrain toast with avocado.

What can Type 1 diabetics not eat? ›

Foods to avoid or limit include:
  • added sugars.
  • refined grains, such as white bread, pasta, and rice.
  • processed foods.
  • sugary breakfast cereals.
  • sweet treats, such as cakes, biscuits, pastries, and candies.
  • soda, diet soda, and other sugary drinks.
  • juice drinks.
  • fried foods and food high in saturated and trans fats.
Aug 5, 2020

What foods can diabetics eat freely for lunch? ›

With portion size in mind, a person with diabetes can include:
  • canned tuna, salmon or sardines.
  • low-salt deli meats, such as turkey and chicken.
  • hard-boiled eggs.
  • salads with a side dressing.
  • low-salt soups and chili.
  • whole fruit, such as apples and berries.
  • cottage cheese.
  • plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
Apr 23, 2019

What is the 3-hour rule for insulin? ›

The “three-hour rule” for rapid-acting insulin (aka "Insulin Stacking") Rapid-acting insulin begins to work about 15 minutes after injection, peaks in about 1 hour, and continues to work for 2 to 4 hours. The three-hour rule prevents “insulin stacking” and a low blood glucose (BG) or hypoglycemia.

What is the rule of 15 for type 1 diabetes? ›

The 15-15 rule—have 15 grams of carbohydrate to raise your blood glucose and check it after 15 minutes. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat these steps until your blood glucose is at least 70 mg/dL.

What should children with diabetes avoid? ›

Foods To Avoid

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Because of that, it's good to steer your child away from fatty foods that contain cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat. Avoid foods high in salt. Eating too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.

What types of food can a child with type 1 diabetes eat? ›

These healthy foods and snacks include:
  • Vegetables prepared in many ways, including steamed, roasted, in a salad or dipped in dressing or hummus.
  • Fresh fruits with peanut/other nut butter.
  • Dairy products such as cheese or Greek yogurt.
  • Eggs prepared any way your child prefers.
  • Lean meats including poultry and fish.
Mar 13, 2020

What are the eating guidelines for children with diabetes? ›

Follow recommendations from your child's dietitian or diabetes educator. Put vegetables and fruits on half the plate. Add a protein food on one-quarter of the plate, and put a whole grain food on the final quarter of the plate. Make water your drink of choice.

What is included in a diabetic meal plan? ›

A good meal plan will also: Include more nonstarchy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and green beans. Include fewer added sugars and refined grains, such as white bread, rice, and pasta.

What foods make type 1 diabetes worse? ›

Foods to avoid or limit include:
  • added sugars.
  • refined grains, such as white bread, pasta, and rice.
  • processed foods.
  • sugary breakfast cereals.
  • sweet treats, such as cakes, biscuits, pastries, and candies.
  • soda, diet soda, and other sugary drinks.
  • juice drinks.
  • fried foods and food high in saturated and trans fats.
Aug 5, 2020

What triggers type 1 diabetes in children? ›

The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. But in most people with type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — mistakenly destroys insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role in this process.

What is the life expectancy of a child with type 1 diabetes? ›

The life expectancy is reduced by 10-20 years for many individuals. The disorder is associated with numerous complications including hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. For children, managing diabetes can lead to enormous stress and depression is common.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 6527

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.