Sweets for your Diabetic Valentine....Ummm, not so much

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Diabetics'

Sweets For Your Sweetie…?

Ummmm,......... Not So Much

..what do you get your Diabetic loved one for Valentine’s Day?

Bob Hawkinson-a 47 year old successful lifelong diabetic and author offers some thoughts.

The growing number of Diabetics in the United States (estimated at around 23 million) means that more and more people are affected by this disease. Not only the folks who have diabetes, but the folks that love them are affected too. How do you give a Valentines gift that won’t negatively impact your diabetic loved one?

Here are a few of Bob’s suggestions:

If you must give candy, know what’s in it. Your diabetic loved one can often times include that piece of chocolate that has 4 grams of carbohydrates, but he or she must know it has 4 grams. Individually wrapped/marked pieces are easier to work into their diet than a monster piece of candy.

Going out to dinner should fall within their time schedule. That fancy restaurant that is hard to get into can play havoc with a diabetic’s schedule. Maybe go to the restaurant earlier than when the big crowd hits. If your loved one needs to eat between 6 or 7 o’clock, a 2 hour wait at 7 may not be a good thing.

Alcohol plays havoc with a diabetic. Although that bottle of wine may be romantic, check with your loved one or their diabetes team to make sure not to overdo it. Alcohol may be able to be included, but be careful. If it can be included, …less is usually better.

…..Of course jewelry, flowers, or fine automobiles are usually always a good choice J

Bob’s book “The Joy of Diabetes” is not only inspiring, but it also educates with a lighthearted and pithy approach. Bob who is 47, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 1. His goal is to help other diabetics grab hold of this disease by the horns, and wrestle it to the ground.” To order his book, go to www.joyofdiabetes.com