My six-year-old was diagnosed in December 2006 with type 1. He is an extremely picky eater. He eats no vegetables, no meat except store bought chicken nuggets, only apple slices, orange juice for fruits, mozzarella sticks, peanut butter, some yogurts, milk and cereal. He will also eat graham crackers, Doritos, granola bars, peanut butter cookies, Cheezit crackers, Goldfish, etc. It is extremely difficult to get him to try new foods. What do you suggest? We have been told to feed him what he likes and keep it in the parameters of his carbohydrate counting regimen.

Your child sounds like a typical six-year-old with “discriminating taste buds.” I would follow the advice of others that have told you to feed him foods he is comfortable with, to cover the carbohydrates in a meal plan but, certainly, that shouldn’t limit your attempts at introducing new items: fruits, vegetables, whole grain items, lean meats, light yogurts, etc. Most kids, if introduced to new foods slowly and gradually, will try and actually like these items, but give it some time. Diabetes and meal planning are new to your family so try new changes a little at a time because you’re dealing with a lot of other new responsibilities with diabetes.

JMS