Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Children: Dietary Strategies & Expert Advice

If your child has type 2 diabetes, you're probably already familiar with blood sugar monitoring and insulin treatments. But what about your child's diet?

Significance

• With type 2 diabetes, steady blood sugar levels need to be maintained; this means following a healthy, balanced diet and not skipping meals.

Considerations

• It's a good idea to meet with a dietitian to discuss your child's diet; some dietitians specialize in diabetes care.

Misconceptions

• There's no single "diabetes diet", but you'll need to learn about portion control, counting carbohydrates, and how to use the glycemic index.

Effects

• You may need to learn healthier cooking methods and schedule more regular meals; this may take some adjusting for the whole family.

Benefits

• As your family adapts to a healthier diet, other family members may notice health improvements, too.