Nutrition management of diabetes in children presented by Dr Lucia Ntsoaki Meko - Dietitian

Equipping healthcare professionals (HCPs) with the latest insights on the role of nutrition management in the treatment of children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a vital component in managing the disease. Hosted by dietician Dr Ntsoaki Lucia Meko, the presentation “Nutrition management of Type 1 diabetes in children”, provides HCPs with guidance and guidelines on how to assist parents with diabetes management.

The chronic autoimmune disease, where the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin for the body to function, is the third most common diagnosis in children under the age of 18. It is also most common in 4-6- and 10–14-year-olds.

Treatment should not just involve insulin regimes. Following a diabetes diagnosis, in addition to insulin therapy - which traditionally includes the administration of basal insulin - additional components need to be included to meet treatment goals. These include self-management glucose monitoring practices, education & support, medical nutrition therapy (MNT), physical activity, health behaviour counselling and psychosocial support.

The presentation delves into the importance of a parent having access to support not only from specialists within these fields, but those who also understand the dynamics of diabetes and the unique challenges that patients face.

If a holistic treatment plan is not considered, it increases the risk of complications caused by either hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. The symptoms of hyperglycaemia include excessive thirst, hunger, weight loss, blurred vision and recurrent infections. For hypoglycaemia they are confusion, hunger, nausea, irritability, anxiety, pallor, sweating, drowsiness and headaches.

The presentation provides insight and detail on:

• Diabetes treatment and management recommendations provided by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• Tailored care and management practices that include changes in insulin sensitivity related to physical growth and sexual maturation.
• Nutritional advice and guidelines relating to a child’s energy requirements.
• The role of carbohydrates in a well-balanced diet, and the risks associated with decreasing or restricting carbohydrates.
• The effect of ketonemia or ketosis on a child with T1D.
• The neurocognitive effects of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• How to assist patients that are affected by food insecurity.
• Recommendations on the intake of fibre, dietary fats, protein, sodium, vitamins and antioxidants and sucrose.
• Guidance on the psychosocial support for parents who care for children with diabetes and the assistance that they require.
• Guidelines surrounding blood glucose management and physical activity.

Children with diabetes should receive age and developmentally appropriate pediatric care, including vaccines and immunisations. The role of registered dieticians who are knowledgeable and skilled in providing diabetes specific MNT should not be underestimated.