Calls for Greater Awareness of Food Supply for Children with Diabetes
Author: Elsevier Health Sciences
Published: 2010/12/03
Topic: Special Diets - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main
Synopsis: Managing diabetes in a child requires a careful balance of insulin diet and exercise.
Introduction
New study calls for greater awareness of food supply for children with diabetes.Main Item
Managing diabetes in a child requires a careful balance of insulin, diet, and exercise. Buying essential medical supplies, such as needles and testing strips, adds a financial burden to families. According to a new study soon to be published in The Journal of Pediatrics, the resulting food insecurity that arises from the financial burden of diabetes management increases a child's risk of being hospitalized due to complications from diabetes.
According to study author Dr. Elizabeth Cummings, "A household is food secure when all members have access to food that is safe and varied enough to meet their nutritional needs. Families who are hungry, who use food banks or food stamps, or those who worry about affording food are considered food insecure."
Drs. Cummings and colleagues from Dalhousie University, the IWK Health Center, and Mount Saint Vincent University interviewed 183 Canadian families with at least one child with diabetes over a 16 month period. They completed a survey that assessed their food security, demographic information (e.g., income, education levels), and strategies used to mitigate the financial burden of their child's diabetes.
The researchers found that 22% of the families they interviewed were food insecure, a significantly higher percentage than the national Canadian rate of 9.2%. Food security is not just a problem in Canada, however. A report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service states that 17.4 million households had difficulty providing enough food due to lack of resources in 2009.1 According to Dr. Cummings, "Children from food insecure families had poorer diabetes control and were 3.7 times more likely to require hospitalization for diabetes within the past year."
Almost all the families interviewed received some financial support for their diabetes supplies. However, many reported that someone in the family ate less so that the child with diabetes would have enough. "A small number of families reported that they tested their child's blood sugar less often than recommended," co-author Dr. Stacey Marjerrison reports, "or used needles more than once to help manage the cost of their child's diabetes."
Dr. Cummings believes that health professions should be more aware of this issue. "A review of financial support available to families is needed," she asserts. "Improvement of support may result in fewer hospitalizations and thus lower health care costs."
The study, reported in "Prevalence and Associations of Food Insecurity in Children with Diabetes" by Stacey Marjerrison, MD, FRCPC, Elizabeth Cummings, MD, FRCPC, N Theresa Glanville PhD, PDt, Sara FL Kirk, PhD, and Mary Ledwell, MSW, RSW, appears in The Journal of Pediatrics, DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2010.10.003, published by Elsevier.
1 "Food Security in the United States 2009" www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/ERR108/ERR108_ReportSummary.html
1 - Food Texture Preference for Kids with Down Syndrome - Paper examines what food textures children with Down syndrome liked or didn't like and how those preferences compared to typically developing children's preferences.
2 - Study Finds Plant Protein, Fiber, Nuts Lower Cholesterol, Improve Blood Pressure - Diet based on Portfolio Diet which is a plant-based dietary pattern that emphasizes a portfolio of four proven cholesterol-lowering foods.
3 - Investigating Link Between Parkinson Disease and Binge Eating - Study investigates reason why some people with Parkinson Disease binge eat - SISSA has identified working memory impairment and alteration in reward sensitivity among possible origins.
Information and Page References
Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): Elsevier Health Sciences. (2010, December 3). Calls for Greater Awareness of Food Supply for Children with Diabetes. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved January 14, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/diets/special/diabetes-food.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/fitness/diets/special/diabetes-food.php">Calls for Greater Awareness of Food Supply for Children with Diabetes</a>: Managing diabetes in a child requires a careful balance of insulin diet and exercise.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.