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Low Weight & Diabetes

by admin — last modified 2007-01-20 22:19
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This leaflet provides information for people with diabetes who have a small appetite, are underweight or are unwell. This diet sheet contains some ideas which may help.

Why am I losing weight?

  • If you are having problems with a poor appetite, for example during periods of illness, you may be unable to meet your daily requirements for protein and energy.
  • Missing meals could result in poor diabetic control, and may lead to weight loss.
  • If, despite eating well, you are still losing weight, it could be due to your blood sugars being too high. You should see your doctor to have your diabetes checked.

Can I eat convenience foods?

  • Convenience foods which are quick to prepare might be useful for you to have. There is now a wide range of packet, chilled or frozen ready meals.
  • If you are having difficulty preparing meals help is available. See your GP for further advice.

Does it matter what I eat?

Try to keep to a 'little' and 'often' meal pattern with something to eat 5 or 6 times during the day, if you can't manage a full meal try to have a snack.

Any other useful tips?

  • Don't rush your meals. Take time to relax and enjoy them.
  • Strong smells or tastes may put you off your food and may need to be avoided.

What about drinks?

You still need to drink some fluids regularly. Try not to drink a lot just before your meal, as this may reduce your appetite.

So What Can I Eat?

Breakfast Main Meals
  • Remember to have something starchy: a bowl of cereal eg. Porridge, Special K, Weetabix, Shredded Wheat or Branflakes.
  • OR
  • Some bread or toast spread with margarine or butter. It is OK to have some marmalade or jam with your toast or bread.
  • If wanted have a small glass of unsweetened orange juice or grapefruit segments tinned in natural juice.
  • OR
  • A serving of grilled bacon or sausage or boiled egg or baked beans with bread or toast.
  • Have a small helping of meat, chicken, fish, egg, cheese or dahl.
  • Have a helping of vegetables or salad.
  • Always have either potatoes, bread, crackers or crispbreads, rice, pasta or chapatti with your meal.
Dessert Ideas Quick Meals
  • Diet yoghurt.
  • Low sugar rice pudding.
  • Fruit tinned in natural juices.
  • Sugar free jelly.
  • Stewed fruit.
  • Low sugar custard.
  • Sugar free Angel Delight.
  • Fresh fruit salad.
  • Scoop of ice cream.
  • Baked beans on toast.
  • Soup and bread.
  • Sandwiches.
  • Grilled bacon, tomato and toast.
  • Toasted sandwich.
  • Jacket potato with a filling eg. Baked beans, lean meat, chicken, cheese, tinned fish.
Ideas for in-between meal snacks What if I am still having problems despite following this advice?
  • Crackers or plain biscuits with butter or margarine and cheese.
  • Buttered scone.
  • Muesli or cereal bar.
  • Fruit cake.
  • Plain cake and low sugar custard or cream.
  • Milk pudding.
  • Tinned fruit with cream.
  • Samosa, pakora, paratha or kebab.
  • Crumpet, teacake or toast and butter or margarine.
  • Ice-cream.
  • Sugar free jelly and cream.
  • Fruit yoghurt or fromage frais.
  • Crisps, maize snacks, Bombay mix or nuts.
  • Milky drink.
If you are still worried about lack of appetite, loss of weight, poor weight gain or high blood sugars you should consult your doctor. Remember to see your Doctor regularly about your diabetes.