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Diet of the Diabetic Child What You Need to Know
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is the most common endocrinopathy in children. Its incidence is increasing worldwide. Algeria is among the top 10 countries where the incidence is continuously rising. The management of T1D is complex and consists of several components, including diet. Knowing that a child is not just a smaller adult, they require care tailored specifically to them, which evolves with age. This care ranges from complete dependence on the parents, to an intermediate phase involving both the child and the parents, and finally to a transition phase towards acquiring self-management skills. Nutritional management is a challenge for healthcare providers, the child, and his family. It requires a behavior change within the entire family toward healthy eating and optimal lifestyle habits, with the goal of achieving good glycemic control, allowing the child to grow normally and integrate into a social life that meets their needs. Functional insulin therapy is a new method that has revolutionized the management of diabetic children. It is patient centered, allowing the treatment to be adapted to the child's life, requiring mastery of knowledge regarding diet. Nutritional education is also necessary for managing physical activity and certain comorbidities. Conclusion: Nutritional management plays a crucial role in balancing diabetes. It must adhere to recommendations for healthy eating in children, while also respecting cultural and social habits.
Keywords: Type 1 diabetes, healthy eating, nutritional therapy, functional insulin therapy, carbohydrate counting, glycemic balance.