- Double Mastectomy May Offer No Survival Benefit to Women With Breast Cancer
- Toxic Lead Found in Cinnamon Product, FDA Says
- Certain Abbott Blood Sugar Monitors May Give Incorrect Readings
- Athletes Can Expect High Ozone, Pollen Counts for Paris Olympics
- Fake Oxycontin Pills Widespread and Potentially Deadly: Report
- Shingles Vaccine Could Lower Dementia Risk
- Your Odds for Accidental Gun Death Rise Greatly in Certain States
- Kids From Poorer Families Less Likely to Survive Cancer
- Tough Workouts Won’t Trigger Cardiac Arrest in Folks With Long QT Syndrome
- At-Home Colon Cancer Test Can Save Lives
For a Sugar-Free Valentine’s Day…
![](https://ladylively.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/nutrition-vitamins8-300x336.jpg)
If your loved one has diabetes, go easy on the Valentine’s Day candy, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists advises.
For the 25.8 million adults in the United States with diabetes, Valentine’s Day sweets could cause an unhealthy spike in blood sugar levels, according to the association.
Rather than loading up on sweets, the group’s physicians recommend a small package of handmade truffles for diabetics who can safely work a bit of sugar into their diet. Chocolate, they said, is metabolized more slowly than other types of candy and won’t increase blood sugar levels as quickly.
Also, by learning about diabetes and thinking ahead, there are other ways you can show your love for someone with diabetes on Valentine’s Day, the association said, including:
- Opt for low-carb candy. Some candy makers have low-carbohydrate versions of popular Valentine’s Day gifts. Still, it’s a good idea to limit portion sizes of these candies. Although many are labeled “sugar-free,” they have calories that affect blood sugar levels differently.
- Be mindful of “hidden carbs.” Aside from sugar, ingredients that can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly include potatoes, white rice and white flour. Just because a baked good is made with a sugar substitute doesn’t mean it’s an appropriate gift. Desserts that contain white flour, dried fruit, honey, corn syrup and agave nectar are not a good choice for people with diabetes.
- Be creative and cook. Instead of offering a box of candy, one way you can show your love to a person who has diabetes is to prepare a home-cooked meal. This way you can offer them a meal that is sure to meet their dietary restrictions.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more Valentine’s Day health tips.
Source: HealthDay
Copyright © 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.