Diabetes: Planning a Day’s Meals
Jason is 11 years old and has Type 1 Diabetes. He was diagnosed with Diabetes when he was 5 years old. He is comfortable taking his “blood sugar” readings during the day. He likes to participate in sports and is on the soccer team, which practices three times a week after school. His mother always packs his lunch for school so he does not have to worry about eating the food in the cafeteria.
For this written assignment plan a day’s meal for Jason.
o Include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
o In particular, include any snacks he may need after school to maintain a balanced diet during soccer practice.
o Also include a brief discussion about three issues/considerations regarding nutrition, diabetes, and children that nurses must be aware of.
Sample Solution
When you have a child with type 1 diabetes, meal planning is important. Everything your child eats can affect their blood sugar. 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 10%-20% of their calories from protein, 25%-30% calories from healthy fats, and about 50%-60% from carbohydrates. 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.
