Eating Dimsum with Diabetes: Tips from a T1D Dietitian
Are you ready for some delicious dim sum?
If you're living with diabetes, eating out can be a daunting task, but don't let that stop you from enjoying amazing food like this. With a few simple tips, you can confidently navigate a meal like dim sum and keep your blood sugars under control.
First and foremost, be mindful of the little plates.
With so many options, it's easy to lose track of what you've eaten and when. To avoid forgetting insulin, remember to dose every time you have a different course. This will help you stay on top of your blood sugars and avoid any unpleasant spikes.
Pay attention to the fat and protein in your food.
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, dishes that are high in fat and protein, like meat and seafood dishes, can be particularly flavorful and satisfying. It's also important to be mindful of the carbohydrate content of your meal, as carbohydrates can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. When consuming a meal that contains carbohydrates, protein, and fat, it's important to dose insulin appropriately to avoid blood sugar spikes hours later (and to stay on the lookout for them!).
Finally, if you're unsure of what's in something, do your best to find an estimate.
While it can be challenging to know exactly what's in a particular dish, there are a number of resources available that can help you. Online databases like MyFitnessPal and Lose It can be helpful tools for determining the nutritional content of your food. In addition, many restaurants now provide nutritional information for their menu items, either on their website or in the restaurant itself. If this information is not readily available, don't be afraid to ask your server for more information about the ingredients in a particular dish.
By arming yourself with knowledge about the nutritional content of your food, you can make better decisions about what to eat and how much insulin to dose, helping you to manage your blood sugar levels more effectively.
Don't play roulette with your blood sugars – arm yourself with knowledge and enjoy your meal with confidence.
At the end of the day, eating out should be a fun and enjoyable experience, regardless of whether or not you have diabetes. Don't let fear hold you back from trying new foods and exploring new cuisines.
So let's go – dig into that dim sum and savor every bite!
