There is a great history to the nutritional recommendations of diabetes and they have changed with time to reflect current research and evidence.
Over time, people with diabetes, their carers, family and friends are likely to have been exposed to the abundance of dietary information available from healthcare teams, the media, websites, books and each other. It is inevitable, therefore, that many myths and misconceptions have developed on the subject of diabetes, but more specifically the diet for diabetes.
For example, myths exist such as "People with diabetes need to eat a sugar free diet" and "People with diabetes shouldn’t eat bananas and grapes". These are fallacies.
Regular update of information and education is vital to ensure that residents with diabetes and their carers are up-to-date with the most evidence-based recommendations. The most up-to-date information can be sourced in a number of ways.
Diabetes UK produces a wealth of Department of Health Accredited information in a number of formats: leaflets, books, audio, DVD and web-based information. Most of the information is free of charge.
Your registered dietitian will be able to provide you with information too, and may also be able to arrange education for care home staff on the dietary management of people with diabetes.
Diabetes UK has developed a one-day course to provide people working with diabetes the knowledge and confidence required to have a positive impact on people with diabetes’ lives. The course has been accredited by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and provides the theoretical background to support a number of competencies required to obtain a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).
Reviewed March 2010
Next review September 2011