It is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet and include sugary and high-fat foods only occasionally. But Easter (like Christmas and birthdays) only comes once a year and a little extra at this time will not affect your long-term blood glucose control.
Hot cross buns or a small piece of Simnel cake can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, even if higher in calories than your usual snack. Try to maintain a healthy balanced diet and don't worry about the odd one or two over-indulgences over the Easter period.
Easter eggs
Small amounts of chocolate can be eaten as part of a healthy diet without detrimental effect on overall blood glucose control. So, an ordinary Easter egg is fine but spread it over the whole Easter holiday rather than eating it all on Easter Sunday. Easter eggs, being hollow, do weigh less than you might expect compared to an ordinary bar of chocolate.
For children with diabetes it is also important that they have a similar egg to their siblings and friends so that they do not feel that their diabetes excludes them from this. On the other hand, adults with diabetes may prefer an alternative Easter present such as flowers, fruit, a book, or a hollow non-chocolate egg filled with small or individual presents.
'Diabetic' chocolate
'Diabetic' Easter eggs are not recommended. They are expensive and unnecessary. Diabetic chocolate contains fructose, sorbitol or a similar sweetener which can have a laxative effect. Diabetic chocolate is also just as high in fat and calories as ordinary chocolate, and can still raise blood glucose levels.
Published: March 2010
To be reviewed: March 2011