FOOD AND YOUR CHILD:
It is never easy feeding a toddler but when your little one has type 1 diabetes it becomes even more of a problem.
Children's appetites vary constantly and are usually picky in what they want to eat. They may even suddenly dislike a certain food after eating it for ages!
One thing I learn't with my son Eddie, when he was younger, that you can't really have a strict meal plan. Eddie used to refuse to eat after I had given him his insulin and this used to cause major upset and frustration for both of us.
What do you do when your child flatly refuses to eat?
I found that Eddie would take juice or milk (don't forget both are sources of carbohydrate). Juice is usually used to treat a hypo so please give in moderation or dilute with water.
If your child doesn't put anything in his mouth then you have no choice but to look out for hypos and treat accordingly. Also be careful that your child doesn't develop ketones from lack of food and insulin. Ketones can occur with a low blood glucose. (please read the page ketones and DKA for more information).
I can guarantee your child will soon get hungry and will be eager for the next meal.
I remember only too well how helpless I used to feel when Eddie refused to eat, and after speaking to the DSN, she said 'ask him what he does want to eat'? So Eddie ate a lot of custard, even for breakfast.
Of course we want our kids to have a healthy balanced diet. We all start out with good intentions but when you see your child's grimace or anger as he/she throws the offending food on the floor, you just know YOU HAVE TO GIVE IN!
At the end of the day kids are faddy eaters so keep offering different varieties of foods, eat in front of your child, have a star chart for 'good foods eaten' e.g. fruit; vegetables even a sandwich. Sometimes it works, it's worth a try!
If you really are experiencing problems please speak with your Diabetes clinic who may adjust the insulin doses.
Children's appetites vary constantly and are usually picky in what they want to eat. They may even suddenly dislike a certain food after eating it for ages!
One thing I learn't with my son Eddie, when he was younger, that you can't really have a strict meal plan. Eddie used to refuse to eat after I had given him his insulin and this used to cause major upset and frustration for both of us.
What do you do when your child flatly refuses to eat?
I found that Eddie would take juice or milk (don't forget both are sources of carbohydrate). Juice is usually used to treat a hypo so please give in moderation or dilute with water.
If your child doesn't put anything in his mouth then you have no choice but to look out for hypos and treat accordingly. Also be careful that your child doesn't develop ketones from lack of food and insulin. Ketones can occur with a low blood glucose. (please read the page ketones and DKA for more information).
I can guarantee your child will soon get hungry and will be eager for the next meal.
I remember only too well how helpless I used to feel when Eddie refused to eat, and after speaking to the DSN, she said 'ask him what he does want to eat'? So Eddie ate a lot of custard, even for breakfast.
Of course we want our kids to have a healthy balanced diet. We all start out with good intentions but when you see your child's grimace or anger as he/she throws the offending food on the floor, you just know YOU HAVE TO GIVE IN!
At the end of the day kids are faddy eaters so keep offering different varieties of foods, eat in front of your child, have a star chart for 'good foods eaten' e.g. fruit; vegetables even a sandwich. Sometimes it works, it's worth a try!
If you really are experiencing problems please speak with your Diabetes clinic who may adjust the insulin doses.
