Free Diabetic Supplies

I had an aunt who struggled with the fact that she had diabetes.  She took her blood sugar measurements and gave herself insulin shots several times a day.  She always seemed to be on a diet, and when she “cheated” by eating cake or ice cream or other sugary desserts, she paid for it dearly the next day or so.

Times have changed since those days in the 1970’s and 1980’s.  There are better meters, smaller needles and more awareness.  There are also more choices when it comes to fine dining – especially when it comes to dining out and even having a little dessert that actually tastes like the real thing.

Dining out does not have to be a problem if you have diabetes.  Most menus are much more health conscious these days because people are not only aware of diabetes, but also high blood pressure, heart issues and just plain trying to stay slim and healthy without sacrificing taste.

In addition, for those of us who have a sweet tooth and love desserts, there are a great many sugar-free delectables on the menu including ice cream, cakes and pies and other desserts that are made with sugar substitutes that taste great.

I can remember my aunt eating sugar-free ice cream in the 70’s.  It was vanilla flavored, came in pints, sweetened with saccharin and tasted terrible.  She just wanted something sweet from time to time.  The best she could do was to put fruit on it or dump it with bananas or strawberries into the blender and make a milkshake.

When I see all the choices of frozen treats these days that are sugar free and tasty I am amazed, and I know my aunt would be astounded – and probably jealous that she didn’t have all these choices – or, actually, any choices.

The key to fine dining if you have diabetes is to remember that there are healthy and delicious choices and that if you eat a balanced meal you should be fine.  Eat portions that you would eat at home.  Order foods that are low in fat – especially saturated fat – broiled, not fried, and order sauces on the side.  Limit your intake of sugar, alcohol, soft drinks and caffeine.

Other than that, the sky’s the limit.  Enjoy your meal.  My aunt would be having the time of her life!