Control of diabetes mellitus requires that the food of the patient be strictly prescribed, both as to nature and as to amount. The food requirements of the child, in contrast with those of the adult, change progressively with growth. The prescribing of individual diets for diabetic children involves the calculation and assembly of a large number of menus to suit the varying needs. The matter thus becomes difficult, not only because it is laborious and time consuming, but also because it involves a detailed knowledge of nutrition, which a physician may not possess.
Because of this difficulty in prescribing individual diets, standard basic diet formulas have been devised which eliminate the necessity for calculation and insure a completeness of the diet, at the same time allowing sufficient variety to satisfy the appetite and to conform to seasonal changes in food supply. The use of these basic formulas also simplifies the