Diabetes diet in the Caribbean: deprivation or satisfaction? - position statement

ABSTRACT

Management of diabetes is the responsibility of the person with diabetes. Success in any endeavour demands a certain degree of discipline and commitment. This is no less true for the diabetes diet than it is for one's work or personal relationships. The diabetes diet is a healthy diet; it is consistent with the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute's goals for the general population, and everybody would benefit from following it. Being on a diet involves, on the one hand, an element of "deprivation"; portion sizes need to be controlled and choices have to be made which may result in eating less of some foods and more of others. There may be a need for control of meal timing and consistency. The coping strategies of some individuals may require prohibition of some foods in much the same way that some ex-alcoholics need to avoid alcohol entirely because they cannot restrict themselves to moderate use. On the other hand achieving "satisfaction" should be a major aim. Indeed, if the diet is to follow successfully it must be satisfying and include foods which the individual likes. There is no a prior need to prohibit any food; even refined sugar can be incorporated into a diabetes diet plan - and some may actually be beneficial. The health care professional's role is to motivate the individual with diabetes to take control of his or her diet by providing education, advice and support which are appropriate to their needs and abilities, to encourage the setting of realistic goals and to provide positive feedback when the goals are achieved (AU).