Trillium In The News

The Mississauga News

Diabetic food lovers sample sweet treats

DIANE MEDEIROS
Dec 12, 2001

Believe it or not, eating chocolate wafers, cherry pie and wildberry apple crisp is one way diabetic people stay healthy.

There is a catch, however. All of those food items must be sugar free ... but that doesn't mean they can't be delicious.

"Healthy eating is variety and flavour," said dietitian and best-selling cookbook writer Marjorie Hollands, who was on hand at the recent third annual Trillium Health Centre Diabetes Fair.

More than 1,200 diabetics attended the fair that showcased dozens of sugar-free and healthy foods for diabetics as well as new medical information on the condition.

"This was our big kick for diabetes month (November)," said Stacey Horodezny from the Diabetes Education Centre at the Trillium Health Centre.

"(The fair) offered one-stop shopping for people who wanted to find out what's new in diabetes ... what they can do to stay healthy and what new foods are out there."
Hollands, who was autographing copies of the three Choice Menu Presents diabetic cookbooks that she co-wrote with Margaret Howard, said the fair was educational.

"I think (the fair) was wonderful because it was an opportunity for people to learn more about diabetes," she said. "It's a day-to-day problem that's not easy to control."

More than 30 vendor tables were set up inside the Candles Banquet Hall, where fair goers could get free food samples, literature and blood sugar monitors for those suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

About 10 per cent of diabetics suffer from Type 1 diabetes that is usually developed in childhood and occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood. This type of diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or when the body sufficiently use the insulin produced.

More than 2 million Canadians have diabetes.

Freda Fuden, 68, who has been a Type 2 diabetic for more than 10 years, brought along friend Joy Adams to be an official taste-tester, since Fuden must carefully monitor her sugar intake.

"She's been tasting food for me," said Fuden, who was looking at some strawberry jam. "She says the jam is pretty good."
Adams, who is not diabetic, said the fair was informative.

"I think no-sugar foods are good for everyone," she said with a laugh.
 

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