Education in the aisles

By KATHERINE HOBY

"So, how do we cure this thing, this diabetes thing?"

The question came near the end of an educational supermarket tour for diabetics who want to learn about adjusting to a low-fat, diabetic diet. Dietitian Teresa Cleary says this shaky level of knowledge of diabetes is common, even among those who have the disease.

Diabetes Auckland runs regular supermarket tours for those newly diagnosed with diabetes and "lapsed diabetics".

A group of eight gathered for a Monday evening tour - a mixture of diabetics old and young, newly diagnosed and those wanting to learn more about the disease, and those in the educational field.

Visiting student dietitian Claire Turnbull, from England, says the problem is also increasing in Britain, but admires initiatives such as the tours.

Before embarking on the supermarket tour, participants are schooled on fats and sugars.

There are obvious reasons diabetics cannot eat sugary foods as they have to keep blood sugar under control.

Shoppers stop and stare as Claire Turnbull pauses to pick up bananas, pounce on kumara, and juggles red and green apples.

Participants watch and nod as she tells them that a portion size is what fits comfortably into the palm of the hand, mentally weighing up whether their favourites fit the measure.

Fruit juice is basically a "no-go" as juice contains natural sugars.

Those on the course are schooled to read labels carefully, check ingredient lists, and be wary of labels such as "light" and "diabetic-friendly".

"Labelling is not always technically correct," Teresa Cleary tells them.

"It is not incorrect but just a little deceptive in some cases, or it may write its best selling point in large print, and put the others down in fine print."

Some products with "diabetic-friendly" written on them are not much different from others but are simply packaged to appeal to those shopping for diabetics, she says.

Members of the group start pulling products off the shelf to compare fat and sugar levels.

When asked to hold up a packet of their favourite crackers, some eyes widen as they read the fat content on the back of the snack pack.

"They do put the nutritional rates prominently if they're proud of them," Teresa Cleary laughs.

"Otherwise they'll be there but around the side not glaring out at you."

Many foods are allowed in small amounts, but every little bit counts. With Milo, for example, it is two flat teaspoons.

Lessons to live by come thick and fast - avoid tinned fruit with syrup, some light oils are lighter in colour only, pasta is an excellent meal for diabetics, generally the harder the cheese, the higher the fat.

Claire Turnbull and Teresa Cleary agree that much of the advice they give could apply to anyone.

"These days diabetic advice isn't just for diabetics. It's pure healthy eating choices," Teresa Cleary says.

Lois Jamieson and Judy Smith are old friends. Both have type 2 diabetes, though Mrs Smith's has been diagnosed for 20 years, and Mrs Jamieson discovered she had it only three years ago.

Mrs Smith has had a lot of time to get used to living with diabetes, but admits she feels she does not manage it very well.

Both say they learned some valuable diet lessons through the tour.

Like Mrs Jamieson, she does not cook separately for family.

"They eat what I eat," she says.

"It's all good and healthy and I feel its a more positive way to eat."

There are some restrictions on diet. Mrs Jamieson misses tasty cheese, Mrs Smith misses chocolate.

Mrs Smith says as with any diet, the key is to make sensible choices.

"The key to combating diabetes is education and support," she says.

Mrs Jamieson agrees, and admits to having concerns about children growing up on fast food.

"We're both farm brought up and take out or lunch bought at school used to be such a treat. Those things are weekly meals now, not treats."

Those interested in finding out more about supermarket tours, can call Diabetes Auckland on 09-623-2508.


Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/health