Pre-diabetes cookbook

KT53 · April 2023

My wife has just been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and we have been looking for genuine UK cookbooks. Everything I've looked at is American, uses cups as measurements, and had menu ingredients I've never heard of. On that basis absolutely no use to us. One even has UK in its title and everybody from the UK who has reviewed is says it is an American published book aimed at a USA market.

Does anybody know of a genuine UK origin cook book specifically for pre-diabetes?

Dovefromabove · April 2023

Not a cookbook as such (sorry) but would this be of help?

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-is-the-prediabetes-diet

Obelixx · April 2023

This organisation has recipes online - https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/recipes

I don't know about a book but I've often read, or seen on TV, that high protein, low GI foods are good for pre-diabetic people so have a look at the info and recipes on here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/diets/high_protein_low_GI_diet

The basic idea is to reduce refined foods and simple carbs and increase protein and fibre as these make you feel full faster and take longer to digest and release their nutrients so no sugar spikes in your blood. Losing weight round your middle also reduces diabetic risk as the fat build up round essential organs impedes their function. Losing some kilos can put your pancreas back on track.

Slow-worm · April 2023

I can't help with the cook book, but I just wanted to add, it always baffles me that GPs don't seem to advise on cutting down on carbs such as white bread, which are basically one step down from sugar.. my former boss had pre diabetes, he ate pretty healthily but he cut out high carb, low nutrition foods and his reading came down dramatically and quickly, so if your good lady doesn't know that, there you go.
I hope she gets everything back into balance soon. 😊

Jenny_Aster · April 2023

KT53 said:

My wife has just been diagnosed with pre-diabetes and we have been looking for genuine UK cookbooks. Everything I've looked at is American, uses cups as measurements, and had menu ingredients I've never heard of. On that basis absolutely no use to us. One even has UK in its title and everybody from the UK who has reviewed is says it is an American published book aimed at a USA market.
Does anybody know of a genuine UK origin cook book specifically for pre-diabetes?

Would 100% recommend https://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/ it's a well moderated and friendly forum. There's plenty of help for whatever her diet is, whether it's vegetarian, vegan, keto, or just plain low carb. There're explanations about all things to do with diabetes, including the different types of diabetes. Plus their biggest asset is support!

KT53 · April 2023

pansyface said:

Is she sure that her condition is not caused in part by her genetics and is in fact caused by her diet?

My OH was diagnosed as pre-diabetic about a year ago (?) and has never smoked, has only ever drunk alcohol in moderation and isn’t particularly fond of sweet food.

After diagnosis, for a year he drank less alcohol, ate even less “bad” food and went for energetic daily walks. His blood test readings didn’t really change.

The doctor told him that his greatest problem is having family who are similarly inclined.

After that, he thought what the hell and went back to pre-diagnosis diet. A longer life being “good” is just a longer life, in his opinion. 🙂

All we know currently @pansyface is that she had just had blood tests and the following day had a message about pre-diabetes. She had regular blood tests over the past couple of years and there was nothing in those. There is no history of diabetes in her family that we are aware of. There hasn't been any consultation about it yet. The email only came through yesterday.

KT53 · April 2023

Slow-worm said:

I can't help with the cook book, but I just wanted to add, it always baffles me that GPs don't seem to advise on cutting down on carbs such as white bread, which are basically one step down from sugar.. my former boss had pre diabetes, he ate pretty healthily but he cut out high carb, low nutrition foods and his reading came down dramatically and quickly, so if your good lady doesn't know that, there you go.
I hope she gets everything back into balance soon. 😊

@Slow-worm we rarely eat white bread, don't add sugar to anything, cook using olive oil when frying. We don't eat much in the way of fast foods, so I don't think our diet is too bad, certainly a lot better than many.

KT53 · April 2023

Thank you to everybody who has put forward advice and suggestions. It is hugely appreciated.

Allotment Boy · April 2023

There is history of Diabetes in my family. In spite of being skinny as a rake and pretty active, I know I have to be careful. I was told over 3 years ago after a test that I was pre-diabetic. The only change I made was to stop having the small glass of fruit juice in the morning. My subsequent tests have always been normal ever since. I don't eat white bread anyway, but I do eat potatoes and other things that a true diabetic would have to avoid.
Don't be too fearful of one test, wait a month and get the test repeated, ask about the HbA1c test that is a more reliable measure of blood sugar control over a period of time.
Wishing you all the best.

Lizzie27 · April 2023

@KT53, I was told the same but when I was discussing it with my ex nurse sister in law, she asked me what I'd had for breakfast that morning. Fruit and fibre cereal I told her and sweeteners in my tea. She suggested I forgo breakfast when I next had a blood test which I did, the test was normal and has remained in the normal range ever since. I didn't change my diet but we don't often eat bread, just Ryvitas for lunch and we try to keep to a healthy diet although I'm not giving up my wine!
Best wishes for your OH.

Obelixx · April 2023

In France and Belgium all blood tests for MOTs - sugar levels, cholesterol, CRP levels etc - have to be done first thing before eating or drinking. That way you don't get skewed results.

Pre-diabetes cookbook

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