Having diabetes does not mean a lifelong diet of deprivation for your child.Diabetic diet is not a matter of avoidance;it refers instead to consuming healthy and well-balanced diet to maintain blood sugar in the normal range to actually prevent diabetes-related complications.A diabetic diet is really a normal diet,with some differences.

Since the patients are children,you need to carefully plan out the required nutrition chart,allowing optimum nutrition for growth.You must take care to maintain a healthy diet for periods of rapid growth,during which blood sugar imbalances are common.

1) Be imaginative in preparing healthy and attractive lunches.Prefer whole grains and pulses over refined/dehusked ones as well as ample fruit and vegetables.Limit sugar,fat and calorie intake.

2) Minimise fat consumption by using low fat cooking methods like grilling,steaming and frying.

3) Help your child snack smart.Encourage him to munch on natural foods like fruit,vegetables and salads rather than junk food.

4) Restrict intake of processed foods like juices,biscuits and breads.Use the food exchange system.

5) Ensure adequate intake of fruit and vegetables to fulfil the requirement of micronutrients like zinc,Vitamin A and iron and thus prevent asssociated complications.

6) Keep candies handy to prevent hypoglycaemia.Low blood sugar can occur in diabetics when they use too much insulin,exercise too much or eat too little.A bedtime snack is very important to avoid hypoglycaemia during sleep.

7) Use cold pressed,blended oils like mustard,olive. Restrict use of refined oils and saturated fats like margarine.

8) Be in regular touch with your child's doctor and nutritionist to monitor  doses and diet.Fluctuations can occur during illness,puberty and adolescence.

9) Once in a while,pamper your kid with drinks and chocolates.There are several sugar-free alternatives in the market.

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