diabetes type 1, proper diet

Hi, my daughter has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. We are all very concerned about her. The doctor talked to us about the changes we will have to make in our lives. Among other things he mentioned that our daughter will have to have a proper diet because of her diabetes. Could you tell us what this diet includes?

Hi, type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. This means that it is mostly diagnosed in children. It is true that you will have to make significant changes in order to help your daughter deal with the new situation. It is very important for her to have a proper diet because the glucose in her blood that is causing all the problems comes from food. The proper diet also implies that, besides eating healthy, your daughter's meals will have to be well balanced, at the constant time and in adequate quantities. Because your daughter's pancreas is not producing insulin, she will have to have it injected on daily basis. These injections will have to be synchronized with the meals to avoid high or low blood glucose levels. Basically, your daughter has to eat food that contains carbohydrates, proteins and fat in order to have a normal development. There is no food group she will have to avoid, but a low carbohydrate diet would help her with her diabetes. You shouldn't worry too much about her diet. I am sure that your daughter's doctor will give you a list of allowed and less healthy foods. In time you will get used to new situation.