Carbohydrates in foods affect the body s blood sugar the most. The body turns carbohydrates into blood sugar. A dietitian can help you decide how much carbohydrate your child needs each day. About half the calories your child eats should come from carbohydrates. Carbohydrate foods should be included with each meal and snack.
Sugar is also a carbohydrate.
It does not affect your child s blood sugar any differently than other carbohydrates do. Your child can eat sweets and sugars if they are counted as part of the daily carbohydrate intake. Sweets and sugar do not have many vitamins or minerals, so they should be eaten in small amounts. However, the amount of protein and fat in your child s diet may need to be counted as it is important for your child to eat the appropriate amount of protein and fat. Too much fat can increase your child's risk for heart disease and may make it difficult for your child to maintain a healthy weight.