Eating Well

Eating balanced meals is important for your overall health and makes you less likely to get really low blood sugar. If your parents plan your meals, chances are you have a meal plan that works with your insulin schedule—so it’s extra important to eat your planned meals and snacks so that the insulin can do its job.

Here are a few tips to help you eat right:

• Avoid skipping meals (especially breakfast)
• If you’re in a rush, grab a piece of fruit or a granola bar
• If you don’t like school lunches, pack your lunch instead. Or ask your mom or dad to help you make it the night before
• Always pack extra snacks (in case your blood sugar is low)
• Drink water or milk. If you want something sweet, choose chocolate milk or ‘sugar-free’ drinks like Crystal Light instead of soda or juice
• Take time to have lunch. Eat slowly
• Don’t deprive yourself. You can still have sweet treats as long as you and your parents work them into your insulin and diabetes plans

Remember, over time your activities and favorite foods may change. Don’t worry, just talk to your parents and doctor to find out if you will need to make changes to your diabetes plan.

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Sources:  American Diabetes Association (ADA)
               Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
               Nicole Britvan, RD, CDE

Simple win:

Craving a sweet treat? Grab a piece of fruit!

A small apple, banana or orange are all good choices at 15 grams of carbohydrate each!

Diabetes Dictionary

Insulin:

Insulin is a hormone made by a gland near your stomach called the pancreas. Your body uses insulin to carry the sugar from the foods you eat to your cells through the bloodstream.