Changes in Food Habits in Families with a Newly Diagnosed Child with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

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Abstract
Dietary recommendations for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) are in line with the recommendations for the general population and applicable to the whole family. We review what is known about the food habits of non-diabetic family members and present original data on dietary changes in families with a child with DM. Some studies suggest that family members eat mostly the same food as the affected child. In a Finnish study of siblings of children with DM, favourable changes were observed after diagnosis in the type of milk and fat used. In a study of young children with DM, family members increased their consumption of skim milk, low-fat cheese and low-fat cold meat cuts. The consumption frequencies of fruit and vegetables increased. In conclusion, family members of a child with DM are willing to change their food habits towards the recommended diet. Dietary advice should be directed to the whole family from the very beginning.