Diabetes, allergies: how do you manage in the canteen?

Pread from 8% of children of school age suffer from‘food allergy. “Eggs, peanuts, walnuts and other nuts, wheat and its derivatives, cow’s milk, fish and kiwi are the main food allergens in the youngest”, states Dr Lalau Keraly, pediatric endocrinologist. Some allergies get better over time. This is the case withcow’s milk allergy, who disappears in 90% of cases around the age of 3, or from that to the egg, less frequent after 7 years.

Furthermore, it is estimated that more than 20 children have a type 1 diabetes. They must, at each main meal, consume a dairy product, meat, fish or an egg, a starch or a cereal product, a vegetable, a fruit, a little fat. In total, these are between 1,4 and 4 million people under 20 who suffer from a chronic disease. This should not prevent them from following a normal schooling, and in particular from having lunch in the canteen.

Don’t deny the problem, don’t panic either

Faced with their child’s illness, some parents downplay their diet to be sure it is accepted in the canteen. other, on the contrary, for fear of the worst, exaggerate his problem. There is no point in panicking or denying when your child has to follow a specific diet. As soon as the illness and the special diet are announced who accompanies him, he is essential to talk about it at the nursery or at school, so that the establishment sets up an individualized reception plan (IAP). “When an IAP is needed, the attending physician or allergist issues a certificate,” explains Dr Lalau Keraly. It is intended for the school doctor, who will write the PAI. Some simple allergies manifested by eczema or by other minor symptoms. The PAI is then simplified, without an emergency protocol. The child is welcomed in the canteen : the one or more offending foods are substituted by others that he tolerates. Moreover, some canteens automatically offer meals that exclude several allergens. On the other hand, “when the case of a student presenting a risk, in particular of anaphylactic shock, the doctor should note all precautions to be taken and detail what the warning signs are; finally, an emergency kit, containing essential drugs as well as the adrenaline syringe, must be easily accessible within the dining hall, ”continues the expert.

Respect the rules of common sense

“Sometimes thestudent is welcomed in the canteen, but he cannot help butbring your own packed lunch. In addition to food, parents must then provide the plate, cutlery and glass », Specifies the pediatrician. In the case of the diabetic child, the PAI indicates at what time the snack provided by the family should be taken. It also describes the symptoms that indicate that the child is hypoglycaemic, as well as the appropriate actions. For example, “give sugar: 1 piece for 20 kg, or x pieces…” “ Welcoming a diabetic pupil in the canteen is simpler than that of an allergic child, explains Dr Lalau Keraly. Most often, it suffices to respect certain rules common sense: like avoiding all sugary drinks, juices and sodas – we can allow a little light -, sweets, as well as nibbles. ”