3 year old pre-diabetic???

[Guest guest]

I'm desperately seeking nutritional and practical advice regarding my

3 1/2 yeaar old daughter. She was weaned about 6 months ago and her 2

1/4 year old brother is still nursing regularly. Within the last few

months she has developed a huge juice habit (4 - 5 cups/day of pure

grape or apple juice). She doesn't substitute with water or milk when

her intake is restricted. She's extremely healthy (75th % hieght and

weight, gymnastics and swimming 5 x/week and farm living) but appears

to crash in blood sugar (based on severe crankiness not lethargy).

She also has a strong preference for starchy foods (wheat mac and

cheese, chips if allowed, popcorn...) but eats lots of great protein

every day (2 eggs and our own meat and broth...)and adequate fruit

and veggie selection. I insist on matching her starch with protein

and fat. Lately she wants juice in a bottle so obviously it's weaning

related. She has never had any insecurities or addicitiooons...no

blankie, thumb-sucking...like a good breat-fed baby. I don't know

enough about glucose metabolism in a transitional weanling to feel

confident resticting her if she's starving for energy. Her brother

surely gets regular lactose infusions from breast milk. She sometimes

grows 1 inch per month. My concern is based on her father's sister

having juvenille onset diabetes and premature death.

Looking forward to your collective and individual wisdom.

Meg