Diabetic diet advice for toddlers

Most children grow and thrive without being "told" how much to eat. Don't worry. Even if you feel your child is not eating enough, it is likely he or she is. Talk to your dietician and diabetes team if you feel concerned and check your child's growth chart with your paediatrician.

Rigid meals and snacks don't work well. Try to think what sort of food you would have provided, and when, if your child did not have diabetes and try to adjust the insulin accordingly.

Plan mealtimes and menus taking into account the child's other activities, e.g. has the child been running around or sitting still?

Children never respond to being force-fed. Even though it can be difficult, try to play down the emphasis on food. Usually a falling blood sugar will make the child hungry and more inclined to eat.

Avoid using sweet foods or sugary drinks to "make up" for a low carbohydrate intake. Children soon learn to refuse food if the "reward" is a sweet drink or chocolate biscuit.

Fresh fruit, eaten as a snack, is better than fruit juice to drink.

Give the child extra insulin when necessary, for example at birthday parties or when they are given sweets.

Breakfast time can be difficult, as it is quite common for children not to feel hungry early in the morning. Try a glass (or half a glass) of juice or milk to start with. After half an hour or so, when the blood glucose has risen a little, the appetite often improves.

Glucose gel and juice can be very useful in this age group as children need not chew the glucose tablets when they are hypoglycaemic.

Toddlers are growing and may often change their food habits. Talk to your dietician for further advice.