Are you sure you can eat that? Dining with non-diabetics
Why Do People Ask, "Can You Eat That?"
When a non-diabetic asks, “Can you eat that?”, they’re often trying to help, not criticize. They might not know much about managing blood glucose levels or how modern technology like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) works. The question can be frustrating, especially when asked constantly, but it’s usually coming from a place of concern and care.
Understanding Their Perspective
Non-diabetics may not know that we manage our blood sugars using insulin, based on the carbohydrates in the food we eat. They probably don’t realize that it’s not the food itself that’s the problem, but rather how we manage insulin in response. A little education can go a long way in making dining experiences less awkward.
Here’s a quick way to explain it: We can eat what we want; we just need to manage our insulin correctly.
How to Respond Confidently
When someone asks if you can eat a certain food, here’s how you can handle the situation with confidence, educating them while maintaining a positive attitude.
Use Confident Language
Explain that thanks to technology like CGMs (like Dexcom or Freestyle Libre), you have real-time insights into your blood sugar levels. You might say something like:
"Of course, I can eat this. I have a sensor that checks my blood sugar, and I know how much insulin I need based on what I eat."
This shows that you’re in control and reassures them that you know exactly how to manage your diabetes.
Be the Expert in the Room
One of the easiest ways to stop people from worrying is by showing them that you’ve got it covered. For example, if you're eating something like a burger, you can casually explain:
"This burger has about 60 grams of carbs, so I’ll take X units of insulin now. Since it’s high in fat, I might also take a second dose later when the fat starts affecting my blood sugar."
When you share these kinds of details, non-diabetics will see that you know what you’re doing. More often than not, this ends the conversation and puts them at ease.
What Non-Diabetics Should Understand About Blood Sugar Control
What you eat isn’t really the issue—it’s how much insulin you take. A large meal, like a pizza, and a small snack, like a banana, both need the correct amount of insulin. If you miscalculate the dose, your blood sugar will spike regardless of what you ate.
What People Are Really Asking
When non-diabetics ask, “Can you eat that?”, they’re often expressing concern. They want to be reassured that you’re okay, that you’ll manage your diabetes well, and that nothing will go wrong.
Here are a few quick facts you can share:
- CGMs: You monitor your blood sugar constantly.
- Insulin management: You know exactly how much insulin to take.
- Adapting on the spot: You are used to adjusting based on how your blood sugar changes.
Managing Anxiety Around Diabetes (For Both Sides)
It’s important to recognize that this constant questioning often comes from a place of anxiety. We all experience anxiety from time to time, and in 2022, it seems almost universal. People who care about you the most might feel responsible for keeping you healthy, which is why they ask these low-key annoying questions.
Tips for Easing Their Worries
A few things you can do to manage their anxiety (and yours!) during a meal include:
- Reassure them: Let them know that you’ve got it under control, and their concern is appreciated but not necessary.
- Educate them: Gently explain that your blood sugar levels are managed through careful insulin calculations, and they don’t need to worry about your food choices.
- Preemptively explain: Sometimes, offering a bit of insight at the beginning of the meal can prevent the question from coming up later.
Practical Tips for Dining Out
Dining out can present its own set of challenges, but with a few smart strategies, you can navigate these situations smoothly.
Pre-Bolusing and Timing
One of the most common challenges is when you pre-bolus for a meal, expecting the food to come out soon, but it’s delayed. We've all been there—waiting anxiously as our blood sugar drops.
Pro tip: When you order your food, tell the waiter you're diabetic and ask for a heads-up about when the food will be served. You can also ask for nutritional information to help you more accurately calculate your insulin needs.
Be Proactive with Nutritional Information
If a restaurant doesn’t have the nutritional info listed on the menu, ask them to check the packaging in the kitchen. Many restaurants are willing to help if you explain why you need the information. Being proactive can prevent those blood sugar surprises that no one enjoys!
What to Tell Non-Diabetics When They Ask "Can You Eat That?"
When someone asks, “Can you eat that?”, a simple, confident response like “Yes, I’ve got it under control” can do wonders. Explaining that you manage your blood sugar through insulin, and that it’s not about the food itself, is often enough to put their minds at ease.
Key Points to Remember
- You can eat what you want—it's the insulin that matters.
- It’s not about the food; it’s about calculating the right dose of insulin.
- People ask these questions because they care and want to help.
Summary: Reassure and Educate
In conclusion, the next time someone asks, “Can you eat that?”, remember that they’re coming from a place of care. Take the opportunity to educate them, reassure them, and remind them that you’re the expert when it comes to managing your diabetes.
By doing this consistently, you’ll eventually get fewer questions, and the people around you will trust that you know exactly what you’re doing. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without unnecessary worries or questions.
List of Quick Tips:- Respond confidently when asked about food.
- Educate gently and use simple language.
- Preemptively ask for nutritional information when dining out.
- Use technology like CGMs to manage blood sugar in real-time.
- Reassure those around you with knowledge and control.
