Diabetes: "A Selective Disease".

Mmm...chocolate cake!

A very good friend of mine always jokes around and says that my diabetes is "a rather selective disease", and you know what?! I can see where she's coming from. I will turn down her regular cola/lemonade/fizzy orange, but I'll happily accept the biscuits she offers me to go with my cup of tea! See?! Selective!

The thing with diabetes is that there is no universal list of what you can and can't eat (despite what some people may think and try to tell you - we call those people the Diabetes Police). It's about what you can and can't get away with. There is no right and wrong. For me, full sugar fizzy drinks are an absolute no-go, unless, of course, I'm hypo, in which case bring 'em on! Biscuits, however, I know I can cover with my insulin.

Most people I know with diabetes have a "food nemesis": something that, no matter how hard they try, they can't bolus for. Mine is bread. It doesn't matter how hard I try, I can never, ever, bolus correctly for it! So, I just don't eat it (although I do love the occassional burger or pizza, further proving my friend's point about the whole "selective disease" thing) and I just find alternatives: crackers, salads, etc. It's what works for me.

I also tend to go wholegrain, where possible. Wholegrain foods have a lower G.I (Glycaemic Index), I find it easier to bolus for them, and I like it. A win all round, for me. There are no "right" or "wrong" foods, but instead your own personal list of "safe", "on occassion" and "avoid at all costs".

So, if I'm ever round your house for a catch up or a birthday or whatever, now you know: I will politely turn down your full sugar fizzy drinks and maybe your cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, but that chocolate cake you've got sitting on the side?! I'll have a slice of that!