My eight year old daughter weighs 165 pounds. She has been tested for diabetes and her labs were abnormal. She eats constantly and is having nosebleeds and other health problems. I am looking for a food list and diet sample to go by. I do not know anything about proper diet for a child.

The American Dietetic Association website will have some resources for you. The Food Guide Pyramid which is on some food labels these days is a good place to start. I would start by getting all the sweets including sugared sodas, fruit juice and fruit drinks (8 ounces of fruit juice a day should be the limit) and high fat snack foods out of the house. You might replace them with pretzels, fruits and raw vegetables. Activity is another important feature of becoming more healthy. This will be a project for the entire family to embrace. Having foods such as cookies, pies,cakes and candy around the house for some family members will not work. Everyone needs to be following the guidelines set forth by the Food Guide Pyramid.

JM

[Editor’s comment: You did not say whether or not your daughter has been diagnosed with diabetes. If she has not, she is certainly at great risk. See What You Need to Know about Type 2 Diabetes in Children for more information.

If your daughter has not been seen by a pediatric diabetes team, I strongly suggest you make an appointment to see one. It especially important that your and your daughter consult with a dietitian who is knowledgeable about diabetes in kids.

SS]