Emphasis on carbohydrates may negatively influence dietary patterns in youth with type 1 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess perceptions of healthful eating and the influence of diabetes management on dietary behaviors among youth with type 1 diabetes and parents.


METHODS
Youth with type 1 diabetes (n = 35), ages 8-21 years, and parents participated in focus groups. Focus group recordings were transcribed and coded into themes. Clinical data were abstracted from the electronic medical record.


RESULTS
Central topics were perceptions of healthful eating and the impact of diabetes management on diet. An emphasis on limiting postprandial glycemic excursions occasionally contradicted the traditional perception of healthful eating, which emphasized consumption of nutrient-dense whole foods in favor of prepackaged choices. Whereas fixed regimens required more rigid diets, basal-bolus regimens provided more opportunities for unhealthful eating. Most youth perceived "refined" grains as more healthful grains.


CONCLUSIONS
For youth with type 1 diabetes and parents, an emphasis on carbohydrate quantity over quality may distort beliefs and behaviors regarding healthful eating.
Mehta
Sanjeev N
SN
Joslin Diabetes Center, Section of Genetics and Epidemiology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Haynie
Denise L
DL
Higgins
Laurie A
LA
Bucey
Natalie N
NN
Rovner
Alisha J
AJ
Volkening
Lisa K
LK
Nansel
Tonja R
TR
Laffel
Lori M B
LM
D000293:Adolescent; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007332:Insulin Infusion Systems; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D019518:Postprandial Period; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D055815:Young Adult
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin