A REGISTERED DIETICIAN WITH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SAYS THERE’S TWO THINGS THAT BOTHER HER ABOUT THE WAY PEOPLE TREAT PEOPLE WITH DIABETES OVER THE HOLIDAYS.

BARBARA SMITH SAYS THE FIRST KIND ARE WHAT SHE CALLS “THE FOOD PUSHERS” – PEOPLE WHO SAY “OH, IT’S THE HOLIDAYS – COME ON, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PIECE OF CAKE.”

SHE SAYS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SPECTRUM ARE THE “DIABETES POLICE” WHO WATCH WHAT YOU EAT AND SAY “YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T BE EATING THAT.”

SMITH SAYS PEOPLE WITH DIABETES HAVE A PROBLEM PROCESSING SUGARS SO THEY’RE ALWAYS WATCHING THEIR CARBOHYDRATES. SHE SAYS A TYPICAL THANKSGIVING DINNER CAN EASILY ADD UP TO TWO OR EVEN THREE-THOUSAND CALORIES.

SMITH OFFERS THESE HEALTHY EATING TIPS – CREATE OR EAT FOODS THAT ARE “DIABETES FRIENDLY” – MAKE A DESSERT WITH LESS SUGAR OR CUT THE SIZE OF THE PORTION – AND GO FOR A WALK BETWEEN THE MAIN COURSE AND DESSERT.

THE DIABETES CENTER AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OFFERS VARIOUS SUPPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING ADVICE ON NUTRITION, CREATING A BALANCED DIET AND EXERCISE PROGRAMS – SOME OF THEM ARE FREE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE THE WEBSITE AT MEMORIALHOSPITAL.ORG OR CALL (603) 356-0796.