Any recommendations

[Thistime6088868]

For Christmas presents for those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes? I bought my father in law some sugar free treats from Amazon that had good reviews but he said they tasted of cardboard

 

[Antje77]

For Christmas presents for those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes? I bought my father in law some sugar free treats from Amazon that had good reviews but he said they tasted of cardboard

A book, a concert ticket, treats for his pets if he has them, a kitchen implement he likes, good cheese, nice charcuterie, a bottle of wine or whisky?
If you want to give something edible, why not go with something that's diabetes friendly anyway instead of looking for replacements to sweet stuff?

 

[Rushkami]

For Christmas presents for those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes? I bought my father in law some sugar free treats from Amazon that had good reviews but he said they tasted of cardboard

I've asked for things I enjoy that I can indulge in a little bit (still in moderation) without it being detrimental to my health such as pork scratchings, a good really dark chocolate, and dry red wine so if there's non-carb-heavy savoury snacks he enjoys then definitely something like that or a good hard liqueur that shouldn't spike the blood sugar. Or things more related to his interests like a voucher for something. And depending on his personality/sensitivity surrounding it/the type of relationship you have with him getting the Diabetes for Dummies book might be funny!

 

[MrsA2]

Here's a thread where people recently discussed what they would like. Note it was a bit of fun and no financial limits but should give soem ideas

Personal Chrsitmas Hamper

I think I need add another item to my hamper A new left eye please! I've only just spotted the typo in the thread title. I know I typo a lot and don't spot them but this one is rather noticeable :shy: (Hoping that smiley is blushing or contrite... I cant tell the detail!):watching: You can...

www.diabetes.co.uk

 

[JoKalsbeek]

For Christmas presents for those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes? I bought my father in law some sugar free treats from Amazon that had good reviews but he said they tasted of cardboard

There's a LOT of sugar free, diabetic-approved food items out there that taste like cardboard. Won't raise blood sugars, but can and will suck the will to live right out of you! On top of that, some get the runs from artificial sugars, which isn't the best gift to give over the holidays. So go for things that would bring joy anyway without pressing the diabetes point. Does he like extra dark chocolate? Pork scratchings? Luxury cheeses? Suet sausages? (Fresh ones would be hard to put under a tree) Nuts, like macadamia's or pecans?

And @Antje77 is right, there's more to give than food over the holidays. Me, I'm drowning in stuff. But I was very seriously unwell when I first was diagnosed, and I just crawled through my days, basically... So now? I just want to live a little, in so far other issues like rheumatism, depression and ADHD/anxiety allow. After getting my blood sugars under control, and regaining both energy and stamina, we finally got back to doing enjoyable things. Workshops with big cats at a sanctuary, or learning how to handle birds of prey. Zoo and event photography are big hobbies of mine, I adore a good museum or a city walk with a storyteller... Tickets to something or other would be excellent, be it something active to do or something to just watch/listen/enjoy. Visit to a cat café'll perk me up any day. That's all me though. What would fit him, knowing him as you do?

When a diagnosis is recent, the patient often experiences grief and depression for a while... Aside from a load of fear! Give something that makes them look forward to what's next. Because when this is sorted, quality of life can improve rather drastically. For now it's a daunting, scary time most likely, and while a book like Dr. Jason Fung's The Diabetes Code is a literal and literary lifesaver, and useful and whatnot.... It might bring the mood down over the holidays. So maybe give that as a just-because-I-care gift, and don't wrap it for under the tree. Keep things light and hopeful. And let them know they're not facing this alone. That, really, is the best gift you can give.

Hugs,
Jo

 

[JoKalsbeek]

For Christmas presents for those who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes? I bought my father in law some sugar free treats from Amazon that had good reviews but he said they tasted of cardboard

This just popped into my head... Do you have an Alpaca-farm nearby that does walks/vouchers for walks? For a diabetic, a steady, relaxing walk is quite the thing... There's a few farms in the Netherlands where you can book a walk of an hour or two, with a guide and your own Alpaca-for-the-day... You can't hug them or anything, they don't like it (then why so fluffy?!) but you end up meeping back at them when they humm at you, and they're very companionable.

Just felt I had to mention it, sorry.

 

[VashtiB]

@JoKalsbeek As the owner of a couple of alpacas I really liked your idea

Having a gentle outdoor thing to do is a great idea. It's summer over here in Australia so it's easy to find ideas but when it's cold I really struggle to do my daily walk so something with animals would really motivate me.

I absolutely agree that when first diagnosed there is a period of grieving. The 'sugar free' stuff can be very disappointing. After a couple of years I was able to enjoy some of them because I wasn't waiting for the usual taste and being disappointed.

Good cheese and other non-carb-heavy savoury snacks that are favourites are a good idea. For my first Christmas we did seafood as I really like that- we did it really extravagantly (my husband was trying so hard to avoid me being sad) so included oysters and a lobster. We haven't done that since but it was a nice idea from my husband and something that we very rarely have (cost and my husband doesn't really like seafood).

He's ;lucky to have you trying to find things for him- that will mean more to him than you will ever know.