Carbohydrates, found in foods such as bread, fruit, and candy,
make your blood sugar rise. So if you have diabetes, you might
think you shouldn't eat carbohydrates (carbs) at all. But
carbohydrates are one of the three main components of food (the
others are proteins and fats). All kids, including those with
diabetes, can and should eat carbs as part of a healthy diet.
Kids with diabetes will need to pay closer attention to what
they eat, though. Why? Because the more carbs you eat, the more
insulin your body will need. Why? Because your body turns carbs
into the sugar glucose (say: gloo-kose), which is used for
energy by your cells. And glucose can't get into your cells
without insulin (say: in-suh-lin). Following a meal plan can
help kids balance carbs with medications and exercise so that
they maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Like exercising and
taking medications, it's just another step many kids with
diabetes take to stay healthy. Why You Need a Plan It's a little
easier for people to control their