Treatment Diabetes without insulin
I have a number of queries about my diet. Can you tell me how I can get advice about it?
If you have access to the internet you might try the Diabetes UK website which provides a huge amount of information which may help answer your dietary queries. 
Good advice on diet is essential in the proper care of diabetes and it should be tailored to individual requirements. You may therefore prefer to arrange to see a State Registered Dietitian through your hospital or your GP. Most hospitals have a State Registered Dietitian attached to the diabetes clinic, and you could arrange to see them at your next clinic visit. Some general practitioners organise their own diabetes clinics, and may arrange for a dietitian to visit this clinic. Many nurses and health visitors who are specially trained in diabetes will also be able to provide good basic dietary advice.
I am a Hindu and have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Are there any specific dietary restrictions?
No, there are no specific dietary restrictions, except for keeping the amount of carbohydrates in your diet under control. You may need to eat smaller portions of rice, or fewer chapattis or rotis with your main meal, but there needs to be no change to the amount of meat or vegetables in your diet.
Avoid sweet preparations, especially gullab jamun, jillabee and similar sweets which have a very high sugar content, as these may cause your blood sugar to rise very quickly. Do not yield to temptation during religious festivals or at weddings when you will be offered a wide variety of sweets. Exercise regularly and keep your weight under control, as advised by your GP or practice nurse.
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I am a Jew and I have Type 2 diabetes. Can you advise me on how best to cope with eating on the Sabbath?
Eating on the Sabbath (Shabbot) and holidays should be a happy time for families to gather together and celebrate. You will need to pay particular attention to the carbohydrate content of your meals and avoid food that is likely to increase your blood sugar level.
Jewish Law (Torah) restricts the testing of blood sugars on the Sabbath and festival days. So it is best to test either before or after the main meal the day before. This activity will be best carried out at a time when there are no guests around.
The Jewish Diabetic Association has a very active website which contains a number of articles and useful links on the glycaemic index of foods, recipes and healthy eating in the section on enlightened kosher cooking. We strongly recommend David Mendosa’s website: www.mendosa.com which contains helpful information presented in an upbeat style.