Fibre

Food fibre is found in fruits, cereals, beans and vegetables. There are several kinds of fibre and they are not digested in the stomach or bowel, but assist in normal bowel function. They appear to be beneficial in the prevention of certain bowel diseases and particularly help prevent constipation.

There is some evidence that fibre in fruits and cereals and vegetables may help prevent too rapid an absorption of glucose from the carbohydrate in these foods. This is certainly helpful in the control of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and may also be helpful in the diet of young people with diabetes. Recent evidence shows that a diet rich in fibre leads to better diabetic control.

Water

Fluids, either as water or in some beverage or food, are of course essential to health. Thirst is a good guide to requirements and you should respect a child’s desire to drink by letting him have water freely. Children sometimes drink large quantities of sweet drinks such as cordials and soft drinks and flavoured milk. They may drink these because of their sweet taste rather than their need to have fluids. For this reason sugar containing drinks are not used as part of the diabetic diet and artificially sweetened drinks may need to be rationed to help educate a child not to rely on sweet drinks.

Many solid foods have quite high water content and supply much of a child’s fluid requirements.

Meals provide constant glucose in the bloodstream

A diabetic diet takes into account the need for providing all these foods in proper amounts for good health. However, as well as providing the overall nutritional needs of the body, the regular taking of food ensures that there is a constant supply of glucose being absorbed into the bloodstream throughout the day. Sugars in food (such as fruit or milk) lead to a quick supply of glucose, whereas starches, being more slowly digested, lead to a steadier absorption over a longer period. With snacks at mid-morning, mid-afternoon and supper-time, the glucose supply is given a ‘boost’ which maintains a satisfactory level until the next main meal.

Meal times must be regular

Clearly, if this relatively constant supply of glucose in the blood is to be maintained, meal times have to be as regular as possible. Being late for a meal may mean that the glucose from the previous meal is disappearing from the blood, and too low a level may result. Being too early may lead to too long a gap to the next meal, with the same result.

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