Tips For Loved Ones With Diabetes

Here is a guest post from By Rebecca Subbiah RD, LDN on how to proceed with menu planning and diet when someone in the family has diabetes. So often people think it’s the end of the world, and as you will read from Rebecca’s post, it certainly isn’t. I enjoyed the sensible advice she provides, and I know you will, too.

I often get asked as a dietitian for first line advice of what to do when a spouse, son or daughter or a loved one gets diagnosed with diabetes. With questions such as what can they eat now? Do I need to make special kinds of meals and so on.

The first thing to realize is that eating with diabetes is basic healthy eating and the same diet that we should all be following, one rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and regular portion controlled meals. Controlling amounts of carbohydrates and choosing more whole grains, opting for leaner sources of protein and healthy oils for cooking such as olive oil.

Look at the diagnosis of diabetes as an opportunity for the family to get in better shape. Be supportive and do it together, if the whole family eats the same way the person with diabetes won’t feel like they on a special diet and thus struggle to maintain it.

Another thing I have often heard is that a person with diabetes can’t eat this or that, while in fact they can eat anything just in the right proportion, a small slice of cake once in a while won’t hurt and helps them to fill included, at a birthday party for example.

The key with diabetes management is the realize that diabetes doesn’t need to control the person with it, but the person controls it, with good monitoring and support, life can continue as it did before.

It’s a good idea initially to consider consulting a registered dietitian to give personalized advice to you and you’re loved on and to support you both as you make changes.

Rebecca Subbiah is a registered dietitian and freelance writer, be sure to check out her blog at http://chowandchatter.com.

Rebecca Subbiah RD, LDN, cPT
www.dietitianforhire.com
http://chowandchatter.com/
http://twitter.com/rebeccasubbiah