Doctor, Can I Sweets During Functions?
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๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “Doctor, with all the social functions I attend, it’s impossible to avoid sweets and rich foods. It’s almost like a tradition to eat a lot at these events. How can I manage my diabetes?”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “I understand the cultural importance of these functions. Managing diabetes effectively doesn’t mean you must completely avoid them.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “But isn’t eating sweets and fatty foods bad for my condition?”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “Yes, consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods frequently can be harmful, especially with uncontrolled diabetes. However, the goal is to find a balance. Moderation is key.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “It’s tough to stop once I start eating! Sometimes it feels out of my control.”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “It’s possible you might be experiencing cravings due to sugar addiction.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “Can you suggest some strategies?”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “Certainly. One effective approach is to eat healthy food before going these functions. When you are not hungry, cravings won’t trouble you much. One more thing, remember that going to functions is not just about food! Talk to people… Being involved in conversations rather than just focusing on food can be helpful.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Sometimes people who serve food at these functions serve sweets even against my wishes. Once it is served on my leaf or plate, I don’t want to waste it. What can I do?
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “Be proactive and tell them that you are managing your sugar intake due to health reasons.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “But what if they still insist or serve it anyway?”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “In such cases, have a polite but firm refusal ready. You could say something like, ‘Thanks for your hospitality, but I must avoid sweets for health reasons.’ If sweets are still served on your leaf or plate, it is okay to leave them untouched. Your health must come first.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐: “Leaving food untouched may offend my host or appear ungrateful.”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “That’s a concern, but remember that your health is a priority. Most hosts would prefer that their guests stay healthy and happy rather than feel forced to eat something that could harm them. Importantly, over time, as more people become aware of dietary restrictions, it becomes easier for everyone to respect each other’s boundaries.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Sometimes, I may not want to tell everyone that I have diabetes.
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “Thatโs understandable. You have the right to keep your health information private. If you prefer not to disclose your diabetes, you could generalize the situation by saying you’re dieting for health reasons, which is something many people can relate to.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “And if that doesnโt work?”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “If food is served to you despite your preferences, you could use tactics like moving the sweets to the side of your leaf or plate or sharing them with your family members. This way, you can manage your intake without drawing attention to your condition.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “That is easier than explaining my health issues every time.”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “Yes, it is a subtle approach. Itโs also okay to simply say you’re not in the mood for sweets today. Most people wonโt force further if they see youโre firm in your decision.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “Do you think these steps will help me manage my diabetes better at these social functions?”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “Yes, with some planning and awareness, you can enjoy these events and still maintain good health. Make smarter choices, do not avoid social obligations of you have the time to attend them. Like I mentioned earlier, eating healthy food at home before going to a function will help you.”
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐: “Thank you for these tips, Doctor.”
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ: “You are welcome.”
This article is part of theย Honest Conversationsย series: Explore the articles from this series:
- Doctor, Tell Me About High Blood Pressure
- Doctor, I Searched My Symptoms on Google!
- Doctor, I Can’t Sleep Well
- Doctor, Can I Sweets During Functions?
- Doctor, Are Vaccines Really Safe?
- Doctor, I Have Abdominal Bloating
- Doctor, Are Generic Medicines Really Safe?
- Doctor, Can I Do Blood Tests in Any Lab?
- Doctor, Can I Stop The Medicines Now?
- Doctor, Are There Any Side Effects?
- Doctor, Can You Guarantee A Cure?
- Honest Conversations in Healthcare – A Series
![Shashikiran Umakanth](https://www.mediscuss.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shashikiran-sm.png)
Dr Shashikiran Umakanth (MBBS, MD, FRCP Edin.) is Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at Dr TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. He shares his insights on Medicine, Health and Life here.