Lifestyle modifications, a healthy diet, and proper medication are what parents have to focus on when their children are diagnosed with diabetes. They do not need any “special diet” but only what keeps their weight under control and ensures that they have enough calories at the same time. As part of the treatment, most parents would be given handouts or brochures about what food or combinations are good for them and what portions are ideal.

The handouts will also list out the calorie count each item can supply and sample menus they can plan for the children. Parents are encouraged to maintain a journal so that they can track the calorie intake and the impact on both the child’s weight and sugar levels over some time. Healthy practices would need references and guidance for a month or so, and within a month, parents will instinctively know what to cook and what not to.

A few points that parents need to keep in mind are:

• Snacking is not harmful, and healthy snacks for children with diabetes can keep them satiated in between meals.
• The level of carbs has to be balanced to ensure sugar levels are under normal levels.
• Since parents should focus on calorie intake, they should ensure that 20% comes from protein, 30% from fat and 50% from carbs.
• Fresh and home-cooked snacks are better for children with diabetes. Packaged food will have added sugar and trans fat, which can prove harmful.
• It is advisable to make a combination of snacks from more than one group of food for kids with diabetes. Fruit as a snack is good, but to keep the children happy you can try out new varieties and combine with dips or spices to take the monotony away.
• If your child requires insulin, you must ensure that he or she receives the dosage as prescribed.

There are various snacks that are not only healthy and low in calories but also favored for children with diabetes. Some of them are:

• Whole wheat crackers with hard or soft cheese
• Fresh berries along with cottage cheese
• Hard-boiled egg or omelet
• ¼ cup of mixed nuts. However, This should be avoided if the child is prone to allergies.
• ½ cup of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (Both de-shelled)
• Salads of their favorite protein—with tuna or chicken—tossed with some of their favorite veggies or fruits and some mayo
• Seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables. They can eat it as is or you can slice them and season them or garnish it with salt, spices, and herbs if they like it that way.
• Sugar-free pudding
• Tortilla made with whole-grain instead of flour stuffed with their favorite veggies
• Pita or whole wheat grain sandwiches
• Oatmeal

You can also treat them with French fries, except they can be baked instead of fried. Substitute sweet potato instead of potato. You can get creative while making snacks for children with diabetes. Combining fruits with vegetables, filling sandwiches with their favorite low-calorie items, serving them soups during winter, treating them to sugar-free desserts that are as tasty will encourage them and help them to accept what is good for them. It is a slow and long process to get children to eat healthily, but once they get it, they can adapt pretty soon.