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What Is a Good Diet for an Insulin-Resistant Child?

If your child has insulin resistance, you're probably nervous about it developing into something worse, such as type 2 diabetes. Good diet and exercise routines, however, have been found to improve the condition of people with insulin resistance.

  1. Watching Out for Carbodhydrates

    • Insulin is most necessary when the body is digesting carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrates are absorbed by the body much more quickly than proteins or fats, and, therefore, need a greater surge of insulin to help digest them. In a child with insulin resistance, the body cannot respond effectively to large amounts of insulin. In order to avoid this problem, try to help your child avoid too many carbohydrates, especially those made from sugars or refined grains. Instead, replace these with whole grains, proteins and healthy fats as much as possible. Do not severely limit your child's carbohydrate intake unless your child's doctor gives her approval; instead, simply limit the types and quantities of carbohydrates that your child eats.

    Increasing Fiber Intake

    • Fiber slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, which can be essential for a child with insulin resistance. Therefore, encourage your child to eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables and whole grains. Avoid carbohydrates with little or no fiber content, including refined grains, sugars and potato or corn products.

    Using the Glycemic Index

    • The glycemic index is an excellent way for your child to understand the impact of different types of foods on his body. Foods with a higher glycemic index are digested more quickly by the body, and foods with a lower glycemic index are digested more slowly. Encourage your child to eat as many low-glycemic foods as possible, and limit your child's intake of high-glycemic foods.

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