Have you ever gone to a church supper....

and there is not a single thing that you can eat! I went the other night and the main dish was a big ole starchy cassarole, and the side dishes were rice and potatoes. With cornbread and rolls, and pecan pie. The "salad" was a congealed salad (pure sugar). EGAD!!! :) I drove around the corner to Subway and got a green salad, and everyone looked at me like I was nuts when I came back in with it. Pretty much should get used to it, I guess! :)

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrew on February 6, 2012 at 10:48am

It's really easy for people to get confused about things that are major to us but minor to them. For example, I've been asked on several occasions by people if I can have _________ because of my diabetes. To confuse them even further, there are foods that I'm allergic to, such as peanut butter. So they don't know whether I'm refusing a food because of my diabetes, allergies, or plain old individual preference! I would be just as confused if I didn't have diabetes, I suppose. I'm fortunate to have never run up against a know-it-all, yet.

Permalink Reply by Progress Trumps Perfection on March 14, 2011 at 8:12pm

I often don't eat when our bible study group meets during the week. I'm a pumper, so it's not that I can't, it's just that I never know what is going to be served and the carb counting can be difficult and set me up for a difficult night. So usually, I'll eat a light dinner before we go, and maybe much a little on veggies and have some coffee. Occasionally, I'll throw caution to the wind and eat, as the food is always quite good. Last time our hostess made a comment about how it was a great night because I was eating at her house. I know she meant well, but ouch!

Permalink Reply by latvianchick on March 15, 2011 at 12:18am

Does she know that you are diabetic and how difficult it is to balance your medication and food? If your group takes food to share, take something that you can eat as well. Basically you can eat any savoury food, even if there is some sugar in sauces etc, and take a little insulin and adjust it later. A short term spike should not hurt you. At least then you can join in and enjoy the food and fellowship. Just steer clear of the puddings, though fruit salad is always good. There is no reason why you should deny yourself or appear ungracious when food is around.

Permalink Reply by Progress Trumps Perfection on March 15, 2011 at 5:25am

Hi latvianchick, I appreciate your reply. Yes, our hostess is aware that I have T1 diabetes. After getting several "oh, can you eat that??" questions rom her, I've explained that I can eat anything, but that sometimes it's best for me not to (ie. if my BG is already high). It's not a sit down meal....just a stand around, munch and talk kind of thing, so I see no reason why I should be obligated to eat. Like you, I subscribe to the idea that no foods are off limits and bolus accordingly. I just don't really like piling on the unknown foods, especially late in the evening during the week because I'd rather go to bed when I get home rather than trying to correct a high (or low). I'm more apt to have those splurgy kind of meals at lunch or on the weekends when I have more time to sort out the BG if I don't guess the carbs well. I've also been training for a 1/2 marathon (completed, yay!), and now a triathlon, as well as trying to drop a few lbs to feel I'm at the healthiest weight I can be, so that's another reason for me to pass on rich foods. I've had T1 for almost 20 yrs now. Early on I was a lot more apt to do what everyone else was doing, but not so much anymore. I see no reason why eating whatever is there should be a requirement for fellowship. Honestly, I don't think our hostess meant anything by it...she was just trying to make a light comment, but it still didn't feel very good.

Permalink Reply by Alissa on March 25, 2011 at 3:40am

Last Sunday I was invited to lunch, and I sent my host a little text to ask what she was going to cook - that way I could decide if it was best to go or not. And thankfully she had already picked out to make taco with dips and salad - so i could eat the meat, lots of salad and a little dip (also the taco's were less than 10g carb each, so I had one!)

She had clearly made an effort to include me, which was lovely, I felt very blessed!

I think most of the time I let my hosts know, and they are happy to cater (although sometimes they need a little hint at what to make - I usually say lots of meat and some salad, as that's not too complicated).

Though obviously in bigger group situations in can be really tough... but don't be embarrassed that you are looking after yourself, I think it's awesome!