The sugar thieves
Do you know any sugar thieves? Those well-meaning people who steal your real sugar and replace it with stevia, saccharin or other substitutes? I think about one holiday celebration a few years ago. There was a table filled with pies, cakes and bars straight out of Willy Wonka's dream. The smell alone made my mouth water. Next to that table was a smaller one with sugar-free apple pie and gummy bears, just for me. While it was extremely thoughtful and considerate of my diabetes, well, YUCK! I choked down a few forkfuls and watched the others enjoy their desserts....
Read MoreA Stockpile Of Snacks
When you need to eat something, there’s only one defense against fast food restaurants: be prepared! Lunch ideas Low-sodium vegetable or minestrone soup Veggie chili Tuna salad with low-fat mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice and peppercorns in a whole wheat tortilla Whole wheat pita with turkey, hummus, dried tomatoes, feta cheese and spinach Quinoa salad with red beans, broccoli, coloured...
Read MoreTalking about diabetes at school
So your child is starting school, attending a new one, or switching classes? If they’re living with diabetes, one thing’s for sure: they will have to talk about their disease with those around them. Let’s take a look at a few tips to smooth out communication as much as possible.Build confidence Talking about diabetes will come naturally to some, and not so much to others. Children don’t want to be treated differently from others, and many fear rejection and mockery. It’s important to discuss the issue openly at home and make it clear to your child that they don’t have to be ashamed of diabetes. Make...
Read MoreYour most important back-to-school supply: Communication
There is nothing quite like the smell of pencils and the sight of new school shoes to bring memories of your school days flooding back. New teachers, a new routine and new friends can be exciting and scary all at once. If your child has diabetes, going back to school can come with an extra dose of complexity. A few tricks and a lot of open communication can make it easier. The early years Sending a child with diabetes to primary or grade school can be an exercise in faith. If your child depends on insulin injections, mealtimes, class parties, outings and excursions, and just the...
Read MoreA Stockpile Of Snacks
When you need to eat something, there’s only one defense against fast food restaurants: be prepared! Lunch ideas Low-sodium vegetable or minestrone soup Veggie chili Tuna salad with low-fat mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice and peppercorns in a whole wheat tortilla Whole wheat pita with turkey, hummus, dried tomatoes, feta cheese and spinach Quinoa salad with red beans, broccoli, coloured...
Read MoreTalking about diabetes at school
So your child is starting school, attending a new one, or switching classes? If they’re living with diabetes, one thing’s for sure: they will have to talk about their disease with those around them. Let’s take a look at a few tips to smooth out communication as much as possible.Build confidence Talking about diabetes will come naturally to some, and not so much to others. Children don’t want to be treated differently from others, and many fear rejection and mockery. It’s important to discuss the issue openly at home and make it clear to your child that they don’t have to be ashamed of diabetes. Make...
Read MoreYour most important back-to-school supply: Communication
There is nothing quite like the smell of pencils and the sight of new school shoes to bring memories of your school days flooding back. New teachers, a new routine and new friends can be exciting and scary all at once. If your child has diabetes, going back to school can come with an extra dose of complexity. A few tricks and a lot of open communication can make it easier. The early years Sending a child with diabetes to primary or grade school can be an exercise in faith. If your child depends on insulin injections, mealtimes, class parties, outings and excursions, and just the...
Read More