Changes in food habits in families with a newly diagnosed child with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Dietary recommendations for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) are in line with the recommendations for the general population and applicable to the whole family. We review what is known about the food habits of non-diabetic family members and present original data on dietary changes in families with a child with DM. Some studies suggest that family members eat mostly the same food as the affected child. In a Finnish study of siblings of children with DM, favourable changes were observed after diagnosis in the type of milk and fat used. In a study of young children with DM, family members increased their consumption of skim milk, low-fat cheese and low-fat cold meat cuts. The consumption frequencies of fruit and vegetables increased. In conclusion, family members of a child with DM are willing to change their food habits towards the recommended diet. Dietary advice should be directed to the whole family from the very beginning.
Virtanen
S M
SM
Tampere School of Public Health, University of Tampere, Finland. suvi.m.virtanen@uta.fi
Virta-Autio
P
P
Räsänen
L
L
Akerblom
H K
HK
D000818:Animals; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005190:Family; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008892:Milk; D013395:Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014675:Vegetables
D004041:Dietary Fats; D013395:Sucrose