5 Dietary Measures for Managing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children: A Nurse’s Guide

Which general dietary measure should the nurse include in a teaching plan for the child with type 1 diabetes mellitus?

Focus on complex carbohydrates and eat foods high in fiber.

When developing a teaching plan for a child with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse should include general dietary measures that will help the child maintain healthy blood glucose levels. These measures may include:

1. Encouraging a balanced diet: The nurse should educate the child on the importance of following a balanced and nutritious diet to support healthy blood glucose levels. This may mean emphasizing the need to include a variety of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in their meals.

2. Limiting simple carbohydrates: The nurse should also educate the child on the importance of limiting simple carbohydrates in their diet. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugary snacks and drinks, can quickly raise blood glucose levels and should be avoided or limited.

3. Incorporating protein and healthy fats: Including protein and healthy fats (such as nuts, seeds, and avocados) in the child’s diet can help slow the absorption of carbohydrates and keep blood glucose levels stable.

4. Keeping track of carbohydrate intake: It may be helpful for the child to track their carbohydrate intake with the assistance of a registered dietitian. This will help them understand how different foods affect their blood glucose levels and enable them to adjust their diet accordingly.

5. Timing meals and snacks: The nurse should encourage the child to eat meals and snacks at regular intervals to help maintain consistent blood glucose levels throughout the day.

Overall, the nurse should stress the importance of maintaining a healthy diet to support good blood glucose control and encourage the child and their family to work closely with a registered dietitian to develop an individualized meal plan.

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