Eating habits and energy and nutrient intake profile in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: adopting proper eating habits is crucial for the metabolic control of diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) in children and requires the involvement and effective participation of the family implying in changes in established eating patterns. Objective: to evaluate the dietary profile of children and adolescents with DM1 and their adaptation to current recommendations. Patients and methods: we studied 146 individuals aged between seven and 19 years old with at least one year of DM1 diagnosis and treated at the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology of the General Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais. The diet was assessed by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire, previously tested and validated in a pilot project. Results: the average percentage of ingested calories as protein and polyunsaturated fat was within the adopted recommendations; that of saturated fat and cholesterol exceeded the recommendation in the entire study population. The monounsaturated fat and carbohydrates intake in individuals under 14 years of age did not reach the adopted recommendation. Adolescents between 15 and 19 years old ingested a high percentage of calories from carbohydrates while children between seven and ten years old ingested more fat and protein. Adolescents between 15 and 19 years old presented the most inadequate eating habits. Conclusion: a diet with poor lipid profile, inappropriate eating habits, and nutritional inadequacies that contribute to poor control of DM1 are of concern.

Carotenoid consumption is related to lower lipid oxidation and DNA damage in middle-aged men

“…An FFQ developed for the Brazilian population ( 22 ) , which was adapted and published by Queiroz ( 23 ) , was used to assess the usual dietary intake of the participants of the present study, taking into account their habitual intake in the previous 6 months. We evaluated 105 items from the following food-groups: milk and dairy products, fats, breads and bread substitutes, cereals, fruits, legumes, vegetables, meats, eggs, beverages and sweets.…”