Across HC-One’s family of care homes, we support every individual’s dietary needs and preferences. HC-One’s Head of Catering and Housekeeping Support Services, Mark Meacham, shares his knowledge and experience of catering for people living with diabetes in care homes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce enough or any insulin - the hormone released when we eat carbohydrates. Because all carbohydrates turn to glucose, glucose will build up in the blood if the body does not produce enough insulin. This can cause a range of health problems if diabetes is not managed correctly.
Can diabetes be cured?
Managing diabetes correctly is so important because, without proper management, it can lead to people having higher levels of fats in the blood which can lead to cardiovascular issues. While there isn’t a cure for diabetes right now, there is plenty of support available to help people manage the condition. Insulin treatments are now a lot more advanced fortunately, and can be more flexible to work around you. A healthy balanced diet and weight management will also help control blood sugar levels and reduce complications.
Does a ‘diabetic diet’ exist?
Despite what a lot of people may think, there is no such thing as a special diabetic diet or diabetic foods - which the Diabetes Associations have made clear. Products labelled as ‘diabetic foods’ offer no benefit to older people living with diabetes. They can still affect blood glucose levels and often contain just as much fat and calories as the ordinary versions. They can also have a laxative effect and are often more expensive to purchase. Instead of choosing ‘diabetic foods’, the Diabetes Procedure argues that a suitable diet is an important part of managing diabetes.
Because of this, we make sure all of our residents at HC-One benefit from a varied diet containing all essential nutrients, ranging from proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential fats, fibre and adequate fluids.
How can we support older people living with diabetes?
It’s especially for older people living with diabetes to maintain weight and appetite, while still trying to sustain a well-balanced diet that won’t have a detrimental effect on their blood sugars. In the first instance, we always promote seeking advice from dieticians for each individual – as part of their care plan.
Sometimes people living with diabetes struggle to stabilise blood sugars. In these cases, carb counting could be a solution. Specifically, keep in mind that we should aim to include 45 to 60 grams of carbs per meal or less, and 15 to 30 grams of carbs per snack or less. It’s best to choose complex carbs, such as wholegrains which are slower-burning and higher nutrient starches, over refined or simple carbs (some examples below).
Top tips to support a healthy diet and lifestyle for older people living with diabetes
• There is no need to follow a sugar free or ‘diabetic’ diet.
• Limit sugary foods, which can be swapped out for sugar free alternatives or sweeteners. Also think about reducing salt intake and fatty processed foods.
• Include a variety of vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils and dairy products in your diet. High fibre, slow releasing, wholegrain carbohydrates should also be incorporated, while ‘fast burning’ carbohydrates like sweetened breakfast cereals, white bread and pastries should be eaten in moderation.
• Aim for at least two portions of fish per week, with at least one portion being oily fish (e.g. salmon, pilchards, sardines or mackerel) as they are beneficial for reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
• Keep hydrated regularly throughout the day, but remember as diabetes can cause higher levels of thirst, it’s still important to avoid sugary drinks and fruit juices as these raise blood sugar too quickly. • Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation, but is best consumed with food.
• Encourage an active lifestyle (where possible).
• Tailor meal patterns and the consumption of carbohydrates and alcohol to the needs of the individual. In a care home, this is especially important to prevent the risk of hypoglycaemia (blood sugar being too high) in residents treated with sulphonylureas or insulin.
For more information on supporting a loved one living with diabetes, please visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/ or speak with your GP for further advice.