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Good Carbs for Children With Type 1 Diabetes

Managing your child's type 1 diabetes involves providing a healthy diet that combines fruit and vegetables and reducing the amount of sweets and "bad" carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down into three categories: sugar, dietary fiber and starch. Carbohydrates that quickly break down and increase blood glucose levels are considered bad because you need to consume more of them to feel full. Bad carbohydrates include foods that use white flour instead of whole grains, soda, candy and many processed foods. By combining healthy eating with carb counting and meal scheduling, your child can maintain an active lifestyle with minor disruption.

  1. Fruit and Non-Starchy Vegetables

    • According to the American Diabetes Association, fruit and vegetables are two of the many sources of "good" carbohydrates that maintain blood glucose levels and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Healthy fruits for consumption include bananas, cantaloupes, mangos, plums and papayas. Non-starchy foods contain low amounts of carbohydrates and provide many nutrients. Some of these non-starchy foods include artichokes, spinach, soybean sprouts, mushrooms and cucumbers. Your child's daily diet should consist of 3 to 5 servings of non-starchy vegetables and fruits.

    Starchy Foods

    • Starchy foods contain lots of fiber and use whole grain instead of white flour. These foods include, but are not limited to, whole grain bread and pasta, rice, corn, lima beans, potatoes and low-fat crackers. Other starches include oatmeal, pretzels and peas. The recommended daily serving of starchy foods is 6 to 11 servings, and your child's portions should be small to keep the amount of carbohydrate intake low. For example, a serving of bread is one slice, and a cereal serving is 3/4 cup. Starchy foods contain higher levels of carbohydrates, and while they don't have to be eliminated from your child's diet, they should be reduced to small portions to keep blood sugar at a stable level.

    Dairy

    • Low-fat cheese, milk and yogurt are sources of carbohydrates, calcium and live cultures. Look for non-fat milk in order to reduce the amount of your child's fat intake. Dairy should be limited to 2 to 3 servings a day, and intake can be increased if you reduce the portion size of your non-starchy foods or starchy foods.

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