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On December 5, 2006, George was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
We, his parents, were in shock! And, at 9, George really did not understand (though he does now).
We learned that treatment involved insulin, counting carbohydrates (carbs), and frequently checking blood glucose levels. But, that was only intellectual and we did not really understand that part till much later. Instead, one of our biggest questions was:
What do we feed George?
Of course, the short answer is anything as long as we account for the carbs and provide an appropriate dose of insulin. But there were always questions:
- How much food?
- How many carbs?
- How much insulin?
- What happens when he exercises and how does that impact nutrition and insulin dosing?
The first book in this series, George's Cookbook for Kids with Diabetes, was designed to help families with that first question at a time when they are in shock and trying to deal with everything life-changing at once.
This book broadens that concern to address the challenge of a gluten-free diet for families as well as the challenge of Type 1 diabetes for families and others who want to enjoy an active outdoor life.
Why gluten-free? There are two reasons. First, George's cousins, two of whom are now in Scouting, do not have diabetes. Instead, they must have a gluten-free diet. However, there is little to no guidance available to families involved in camping or other group activities requiring that food meet the needs of everyone present including gluten-free or Type 1.
The second reason for a focus on gluten-free is the incidence of Celiac among Type 1 diabetics, four to six percent (Schwarzenberg & Brunzell, 2002). For reasons that are not clearly understood, a significant part of the Type 1 population also must deal with gluten-free issues. While that might seem straightforward, it turns out to be additionally challenging and in many cases gluten-free recipes are actually higher in carbohydrate levels than their non-gluten-free counterparts. For that reason, this book addresses both gluten-free issues and Type 1 issues.
Our overriding mission is to involve kids, whether Type 1 or not, with cooking and being an active part of their diet management. We want them to be actively involved with their own health. We want kids and their families to learn how to create and eat simple, healthy food on picnics and camping trips. And, we want them to have fun!
(By the way, it doesn't really matter if you or one you love has Type I or requires a gluten-free diet – these recipes are good and fun for anyone. And, many of these recipes are great in the kitchen, too.)
So, get ready for an adventure. We have packed this book with lots of information, lots of recipes, and lots of fun!
Eric & George Smith, March 2011