Jason is 11 years old and has Type 1 Diabetes. He was diagnosed with Diabetes when he was 5 years old. He is comfortable taking his “blood sugar” readings during the day. He likes to participate in sports and is on the soccer team, which practices three times a week after school. His mother always packs his lunch for school so he does not have to worry about eating the food in the cafeteria.
For this written assignment plan a day’s meal for Jason.
Include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
In particular, include any snacks he may need after school to maintain a balanced diet during soccer practice.
Also include a brief discussion about three issues/considerations regarding nutrition, diabetes, and children that nurses must be aware of.
You may use any of the resources found in this module or any other evidence-based sources (include those as in-text citations and references using APA Editorial Format).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Planning a day’s meal for a child with Type 1 Diabetes can be challenging. It is important to ensure that the child’s meals are balanced and meet their nutritional needs. In addition, snacks may be required to maintain blood sugar levels during physical activity like soccer practice. In this assignment, we will plan a meal for Jason and discuss three important considerations related to nutrition, diabetes, and children that nurses must be aware of.
Answer:
For Jason’s breakfast, we can recommend scrambled eggs, a whole wheat toast with peanut butter, and a glass of unsweetened almond milk. For lunch, he can have a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise, accompanied by a side of fresh fruit and a bottle of water. Jason’s snack after school can include a protein bar or granola bar and a light yogurt. For dinner, we can suggest grilled chicken breast, steamed vegetables, and brown rice, paired with a glass of low-fat milk.
Nurses need to be aware of several factors while helping children with diabetes. Firstly, when children are diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a traumatic experience for them and their family. As such, nurses must provide emotional support to both the child and their family. Secondly, they should educate the child and their family about the importance of controlling blood sugar levels and the possible complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Finally, nurses must teach children how to administer insulin injections if required and how to monitor their own blood sugar levels.
In conclusion, planning a meal for a child with Type 1 Diabetes involves maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their needs, including snacks to maintain blood sugar levels during physical activities. Nurses must also be aware of three crucial factors, including emotional support, educating children and their families on diabetes management and prevention of complications, and teaching self-care and the management of medications.
