For the first weeks after diagnosis, you may be nervous about taking your child out for dinner. Many restaurants will supply
nutritional information about their dishes if you ask. As well, you shouldn’t feel shy about explaining to waiters that someone
in the family has diabetes and that you need to know if the meal will be delayed. If so, eating a breadstick or some crackers
until the meal arrives is a good idea. These foods should be included as exchanges or part of the meal’s carbohydrates. Fast-acting
insulin gives you a huge benefit when you eat out. Your child’s injection can be given when the meal is served, with the dose
adjusted to the meal’s carbohydrate content.
Friends who don’t know much about diabetes may be worried about what to feed your child. It helps to take the lead. Invite
friends over first so they can see that your child still eats hot dogs, just as he used to. When eating at a friend’s house,
ask what time they plan to serve dinner and provide some guidance. Children may be able to switch their bedtime snack and
dinner, if dinner is being served much later than usual.
Fast food
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Diabetes doesn’t mean your family can no longer enjoy the convenience of “fast food.” Here are some exchange guidelines for
common fast foods:
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1 hamburger = 2 grains + starches, 2 meat + alternatives, 2 fat = 30 g carbohydrate
1 small fries (about 20) = 2 grains + starches, 2 fat = 30 g carbohydrate
1 medium slice cheese pizza = 2 grains + starches, 2 meat + alternatives, 2 fat = 30 g carbohydrate
6-inch (15 cm) submarine sandwich = 3 grains + starches, 2 meat + alternatives, 2 fat = 45 g carbohydrate
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Most fast-food chains can supply exchange guidelines for their menus, if you ask.
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Special occasions
Birthdays
For many people, a birthday is not complete without a cake. Children with diabetes can still enjoy birthday cake. In fact,
many children are so excited at birthday parties that most of their food stays on their plates. If your child is attending
a birthday party (his own or a friend’s) the key is to ensure that you or the adult in charge knows your child needs to eat
something. If your child’s blood sugar is high that evening, note the reason in your child’s logbook, and move on.
Hallowe’en
Hallowe’en is a special time of year for many children and parents. Children with diabetes shouldn’t lose out on the chance
to dress up and parade around the neighbourhood in search of treats. Treats can be given out at certain times and worked into
the meal plan. Remember to plan for the extra activity on Hallowe’en with extra food. Perhaps your child could have one small
chocolate bar for each 20 to 30 minutes out on the streets. Other treats can be part of a meal or snack, or they can be used
as extra food for planned activities. Remember how you handled Hallowe’en candy before your child had diabetes, and try not
to make too much of it. Trade some of the lollipops, candy, and regular gum for chips, sugarless gum, or even a trip to the
movies. Be creative!
Fasting
Fasting, for religious occasions like Ramadan or Yom Kippur, is extremely risky for anyone who takes insulin. Generally, people
with diabetes do not have to join in these rituals. Check with your religious advisor.
