Frequently Asked Questions and Evidence-Based Answers on Medical Nutritional Therapy in Children with Type 1 Diabetes for Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Medical nutrition therapy is a cornerstone in type 1 diabetes management and is based on the principles of healthy eating. The recommendations presented are valid for all children and their families. A number of frequently asked questions will be addressed in this article. Although carbohydrates are the main nutrient that affects postprandial blood glucose in individuals with type 1 diabetes, intake of carbohydrates (type and amount), protein and fat content of the meal, and glycemic index affect the postprandial glycemic response. In recent years, the relative increase in studies about Ramadan fasting for individuals with type 1 diabetes has indicated that health professionals should be informed about this issue. The difficulties in nutritional management of preschool children should be solved with a professional approach. The increasing frequency of celiac disease in people with type 1 diabetes and an increasing interest in a gluten-free diet for non-celiac reasons (popular diet trends for weight loss or healthy eating) further complicate diabetes management. This review provides evidence-based approaches to frequently encountered problems on medical nutrition therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Keywords

• type 1 diabetes
• medical nutrition therapy
• nutritional management