Diabetic food question

[Ducky]

I have no personal experience with diabetes but the woman who does my hair is now a diabetic. Over the years I have given baked goodies at holiday time. However, I don't want to give something that she can't possibly use.

So, my questions are.......
- beyond type 1 and type 2, are there different kinds of diabetes (so that I would need to know more about her situation before determining what is okay for her to eat)?
- is there something I can make for her or am I better off with a non-food gift?
- any recipe suggestions?

TIA.

[Andi of Longmeadow Farm]

Hi Ducky! It might be helpful to know about more specific info - being type 1 or 2 / being Type 1 you do have more specific nutritional needs ~ Type 1 formerly called "juvenile onset diabetes" occurs typically before the age of 20. Individuals with type 1 diabetes are usually thin, and they give themselves insulin either by injection or pump.

Quite likely it's Type 2 she has, (guessing - because she was able to eat treats prior) - which, is also known as being insulin resistant. Combined with other problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, this type of diabetes can be controlled by diet, exercise, relearning how to eat properly, and medication.

Type 2 can have sweets, but they are made with artificial sweeteners and or products that are "more natural" such as Stevia, Agave, etc....substituted for real sugar/honey/molasses...etc

Let me know what you think, and I, or Paula and Mia will be glad to give you some good ideas!

[Ducky]

I'm pretty sure she is type 2. She is older than me. I don't know much else beyond that about her diabetes.

I've got some agave nectar, truvia, splenda and probably something else too.

[PaulaG]

Hi Ducky, I agree with Andi. Sounds like she is a type 2 diabetic. My husband developed diabetes in his late 40's early 50's. For him it is more about watching carbohydrate intake. He does eat sweets on occasion and I tend to use less refined sugars in baking instead of substitutes. This seems to work well for us.

There is also things like spiced nuts and dried fruits that make for very nice gifts. HTH

[Ducky]

Are there any specific recipes I could try? I don't know if some things, or types of things, are more problematic than others. I'm thinking the spiced nuts might be good as nuts are supposed to have good fats but don't know about the carbs.

I'm not very familiar with cooking/baking for diabetics and am looking for specific guidance from you experts.

[PaulaG]

Expert? No, I have learned through trial and error what works for us. I made this one year

Roasted Pecans

They are spicy without any sugar.

Here is one for almonds that does have sugar and the carb count is higher.

Sugared Spiced Nuts

There is another that I made using pecans. Let me find it and I'll get back with you.

[PaulaG]

Ducky, here are a couple of recipes that I have made for gift giving that use pecans:

Cinnamon Pecans
Maple Balsamic Pecans Les Fougeres
Sweet and Spicy Pecans

[Ducky]

Those recipes look good. Will I need to substitute anything for the sugar, honey or maple syrup? Or are they good to go as is?

[PaulaG]

Ducky, I don's use sugar substitutes. I might cut down a little on the sugar. For example one of the recipes calls for 1/2 cup. I would try 1/3 cup and see how that works. If successful, I might make again with 1/4 cup. The one thing we try to remember is this type of thing is a treat. A small portion with proper diet and exercise has proven to be okay for DH.

[Chef #2552178]

Hello there!

From a Type 2 diabetic - my friend Charlie - " ... it is not the sugar that gets you in your diet ... it is the Gluten and the carbs ... go for zero gluten and keep check on the refined carbs and things should be fine ... " which makes sense to me as a chef and having had years experience in cooking for diabetics.

For a great diabetic sweet-treat ....

CHOCOLATE DIABETIC FUDGE
¼ cup margarine
24 packets Equal sugar substitute
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped walnuts
Preparation
Lightly grease a pan with non-stick spray. Place margarine in a saucepan and melt over low heat. Add chocolate and stir until the chocolate melts. Remove from heat, add vanilla and sweetener. Add cream cheese and beat well, until smooth. Add walnuts.
Spread mixture in greased pan and refrigerate until firm.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/diabetic-diet-easy-fudge-recipes.html

[PaulaG]

Thank you for sharing your recipe. It would be best if you could post it to be added to the data base for all to enjoy. Also, please be cautious about linking to other sites as it may be considered as Spam.

[Chef #2552178]

Really? Spam? OMG! The person asked a question. I offered an answer. The LINK came WITH the recipe. I can see that this forum is too anal and rigid for perons with a mind to HELP others to not have to spend hours and hours searching the internet for answers. Sorry. You will not hear from me again.

[PaulaG]

If my post offended I am sorry. I do thank you for posting the recipe but posting to your account and having it added to the database can assure easy access for everyone. Spam is a common occurrence and I did mention that it could be viewed by some in a bad light.

[Chef #2552178]

Madame, how others "view" or perceive something is on them, not on me, and nobody is required to CLICK on a link from anywhere, so ... if THEY chose to click the link then it is their bad if they are unhappy with the content thereafter, not mine. I suggest that you and others learn the true definition of "spam" and stop obsessing about trivial things when greater things are at issue. Now, as I said before, you will not be hearing from me in this forum again. I shall save my knowledge, suggestions, and research for those who appreciate the efforts.

mkk

[PaulaG]

Again, I am sorry for the misunderstanding and do thank you for your suggestions.