Changes in Milk and Fat Choices of Nondiabetic Siblings of Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Children: A Two-Year Prospective Study

The aim of this study was to examine how the diagnosis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in one child affects the consumption patterns of milk and fat among nondiabetic siblings. Food habits of 478 Finnish nondiabetic siblings (3–19 years) of children with IDDM ( 12 years). As compared with population-based control subjects, the use of high-and low-fat milk, butter on bread, and butter and margarines in food preparation was less common and the use of skim milk, margarines on bread, and oils in food preparation more common among the nondiabetic siblings 2 years after the diagnosis of IDDM in the proband. The diagnosis of IDDM in a child has significant and beneficial effects on the choice of the type of milk and dietary fat of his/her siblings. Farmers and families in lower socioeconomic groups need more attention to modify the diet after the diagnosis of IDDM in a child.