Meal Planning for Kids with Type 1 Diabetes
A Healthier Michigan
| 5 min read
Medically reviewed by Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
More than 300,000 children or about 30 out of every 10,000 in the United States have Type 1 diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the pancreas to produce little to no insulin, and it has no cure. Type 1 diabetes can onset during adulthood, but most commonly presents during youth.
Treatment for Type 1 diabetes includes supplying insulin to make up for the lack of insulin produced and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, which makes diet and lifestyle choices important. Parents and caregivers of children with Type 1 diabetes play a significant role in healthy food choices and meal planning to help keep blood sugar in a healthy range, with guidance from the child’s doctor and dietitian.
Nutritional guidelines for kids with Type 1 diabetes
Kids with Type 1 diabetes have the same dietary needs as other children. Aim for a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins and fats when meal planning. It’s also important to understand how different foods may affect blood sugar to keep it in a healthy range.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should make up 45-50% of the daily energy intake. Type 1 diabetes, with a larger focus on complex carbohydrates. It’s a good idea to keep simple carbohydrates under 10% of the daily energy intake. Carbohydrates break down into glucose as they are digested, and simple carbohydrates break down quickly then enter the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels rapidly. These foods should generally be consumed in moderation but are often used to treat low blood sugar. Examples of foods with refined sugars and simple carbohydrates:
- sodas, sports drinks and fruit juices
- candies and sweets
- ice cream and sweetened yogurts
- cakes, cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts and pies
- toaster pastries
- sweetened cereals and flavored oatmeal
- snack crackers and chips
Good complex carbohydrates to include are fruits because they include fiber which break down more steadily and raise blood sugar levels more gradually. Make sure to keep the peel on fruits like apples, pears and peaches to maximize the fiber benefits. Here are healthy fruits to include in meals and snacks:
- berries
- apples
- grapes
- pears
- oranges
- melons
Avoid excess servings of refined grains like white breads, white rice and refined pastas, and encourage healthier complex carbohydrates like those found in:
- potatoes and sweet potatoes
- peas and corn
- whole grains
- legumes
Proteins
Proteins should make up 15-20% of the daily energy intake and are vital for children’s growth and development. Meat, fish, cheese, eggs and legumes are good sources of protein. This macronutrient has a minimal effect on blood sugar and lessens the effect of carbohydrates when consumed together. Good protein sources to include:
- chicken and turkey
- fat-trimmed beef and pork cuts
- fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna
- shellfish like shrimp
- reduced-fat cheeses and low-fat cottage cheese
- eggs
- pinto, kidney and black beans
- hummus and falafel
- lentils, peas and edamame
- tempeh and tofu
- unsweetened almond, cashew or peanut butter
Fats
Include healthy amounts of fat to round out a nutritious diet. Fat has a minimal impact on blood sugar and like protein, lessens the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar when combined in a meal. Fats should account for 30-35% of daily energy intake.
Healthy sources of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats include:
- avocados and olives and their oils
- unsweetened peanut butter
- nuts like almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts and cashews
- fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, trout and sardines
- flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds
Fatty foods eat in moderation:
- high-fat meats like pork, bacon, regular ground beef, sausage and bologna
- high-fat dairy products like butter, whole milk, high-fat cheeses and cream sauces
- gravy made with meat drippings
- poultry skin
- lard
- palm and coconut oils
Meal planning tips for kids with Type 1 diabetes
When meal planning for kids with Type 1 diabetes, communicate with their health care team to determine a meal schedule. A good rule of thumb is to include three meals and a couple of snacks a day. It is important to not skip meals to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Here are some examples of meals and snacks:
Breakfast examples:
- An egg sandwich with low-fat cheese on a whole wheat roll or English muffin with a side of fruit and low-fat milk to drink.
- Whole grain toast with unsweetened peanut butter or avocado with egg slices, with a side of fruit and low-fat milk to drink.
Lunch examples:
- A turkey wrap with a wholegrain wrap and mustard, with carrots or broccoli and low-fat milk or water to drink.
- An unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter sandwich on whole grain bread, grapes or berries and low-fat milk or water to drink.
Snack examples:
- Whole-wheat crackers and low-fat string cheese.
- Sliced vegetables with a tablespoon of Greek yogurt ranch or hummus.
- Ants-on-a-log with celery, unsweetened peanut butter and raisins.
- ½ cup of low-fat cottage cheese with cubed melon or orange slices.
Dinner examples:
- Chicken breast with whole wheat pasta, broccoli or peas and low-fat milk or water to drink.
- Salmon with brown rice, asparagus or green beans and a salad with walnuts and apple slices and water or low-fat milk to drink.
Make sure to always involve your child’s physician and dietitian when making dietary decisions. Dietary needs vary based on the child’s age, weight, height and individual dietary restrictions.
