“I Don't Want Them to Feel Different”: A Mixed Methods Study of Parents' Beliefs and Dietary Management Strategies for Their Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Parents of young children with T1DM identified several barriers to healthful eating that are common for all parents, such as time constraints, expense, and child food preferences. However, unique themes emerged, including parents' desire not to limit their child's diet or make their child “feel different.” Nutrition components of T1DM education should include psychological and behavioral strategies to help parents manage these unique concerns.