|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Diabetic Diets for Teens

Diabetes is a long-term condition that is diagnosed when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Teens with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections, while teens with Type 2 diabetes may not. People with diabetes must control their blood sugar, which can be done by carefully monitoring what they eat and engaging in regular exercise. A healthy diet is essential for diabetic teens and should be created by a doctor or nutritionist.

  1. Schedule

    • Teens with diabetes should follow an eating schedule, particularly if they are taking medication. A suggested plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a morning, afternoon and evening snack. A doctor will be able to customize a plan, instructing each teen on how many meals and snacks they to have each day. Teens should also balance their eating plan with an exercise plan, and get advice from their doctor about whether they should eat before exercising.

    Blood Glucose

    • Diabetics have a target blood glucose level of about 70 to 130 before meals. One to two hours after the beginning of a meal, this level can go up to 180. If your blood glucose level is below 70, you are experiencing hypoglycemia and will need a dietary supplement or snack immediately. To get your blood sugar back up, have one of the following: 1/2 cup of fruit juice or regular soft drink, 1 cup of milk, five pieces of candy, three glucose tablets or 1 tbsp. of sugar or honey. Using a blood glucose monitor, check your levels after 15 minutes. If your blood glucose level has not risen above 70, have one more serving from the previous list.

    Nutrition

    • Healthy eating for diabetic teens includes limiting sweets and fats, monitoring carbohydrates, eating often and incorporating plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Eating too many carbohydrates, found in things like bread, rice, cereals and fruit, can lead to increased blood glucose levels. Although some of these foods are healthy in moderation, diabetics must take special care not to overeat. If teens wish to eat dessert or a sweet, it should be done only occasionally and in place of starchy food, fruit or milk.

      Teens should eat a balanced diet, taking into account serving size, carbohydrate content, calories, sodium, saturated and trans fats. For recipes specifically created for diabetic teens, see Resource.

Diabetes - Related Articles