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Hospital Menu for diabetic person


Most of the world eats pasta, so it's a good choice on a hospital menu.

Do I miss pasta?
No.
Two reasons.
I never liked pasta really.
Apart from lasagne, and I still eat that. (Admittedly, not a baking tin full in one sitting, like I used to!)
 
Speaking purely as a type 2 diabetic, not on insulin, who controls her blood sugars by low carbing then NO, virtually nothing on the op's list would be suitable for me to eat and keep my blood sugars stable. And high blood sugars would make my recovery slower, so would be actively harming me.

I would be expected to eat foods I know will harm me personally. And subjected to additional stress from the reactions of the staff if I refuse to eat the foods provided, also harming me and hindering my healing, as stress also elevates my blood sugar.

Its crazy to be in such a situation simply because the NHS hasnt caught up for me.
 

How would the turkey salad, and the plain omelette harm you?
 
You stated you would be expected to eat foods that would harm you.

You're in hospital, there is at least one choice that is suitable for you.

It's not a virtual choice, it's real, it'll work perfectly well for you.
I think the NHS will suffer if everyone expects personal catering, and gourmet meals.
I'd prefer the money spent on real health care, and funding facilities and staff.
 
walnut_face said:
The typical 'one size fits all' approach, and probably suitable for all Diabetics who are on insulin.
Me? I would go on hunger strike
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I'm on insulin but still have high bgs with high carb. Most type1s have to take extra insulin for carby meals. I don't know any dizbetic who would do well on the noted dietary options. Eggs are good for most things but not every meal. Variety in your diet is still important to good health.
Since more diabetics visiting hospital these days, more choice should be available. Their visitors cafes are worse. Full of cake, bread and crisps. Sugary coffees and no sign of sugar free anything. Gyms and local leisure centres are the same.
 
the correct diet for my health IS part of my Real health care. And I dont notice anyone asking for gourmet meals. I feel that some posts on this subject are not accepting the importance of the real and necessary dietary changes and restrictions some type 2's have to make to control our blood sugars. These are just as valid as having the right medication for those who need them to control their blood sugars. It is not being fussy.
 
Real fresh pasta made the proper way isn't tasteless and I miss my nonnas (by marriage) pasta every day of my life - I do have it very occasionally- it's certainly easier on my bs than dried or other "fresh" pastas - but then she makes all her sauces etc from scratch. Also the portion size of pasta is much smaller than us British expect to be served- it's more a side dish than the main event of a dish.
 
I wonder if the issue some members have is that the menu states

"D = suitable for patients with diabetes"

..when so many diabetics here do not agree with that. Me included.

Perhaps "D = suitable for Douglas" would cause less bewilderment
 
Avocado Sevenfold said:
I wonder if the issue some members have is that the menu states

"D = suitable for patients with diabetes"

..when so many diabetics here do not agree with that. Me included.

Perhaps "D = suitable for Douglas" would cause less bewilderment
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It depends if you want to switch your 'one size fits all' for the NHS's I guess?
I'd just give people their own choice, rather than insist they were all good for one small group of patients.
But it does seem to have got some on here very irate I must agree.
 
I think they could perhaps produce the menu but not suggest that most dishes are suitable for diabetics and let people decide for themselves.


Except for the apple sponge obviously. There should be a skull and crossbones next to that one for some reason
 
I took the OPs original post with picture of a day's menu choices to be an 'example' of the choice and, for a Type 2, controlling BG by diet only or with medication, this type of menu choices would not be adequate if in hospital for more than a couple of days.

If only hospitalized for more than a couple of days, having to chose from such [an example] of a menu, I don't consider this would be adequate if wanting to stick to LCHF diet. It seems to me that diabetics on insulin are in a position of covering extra carbs so, perhap[s, isn't such a big deal. However, for those [like myself, and @serenity648] I feel that, after a couple of days, blood glucose levels would be jeapadized , potentially requiring medication. Hospital doctors, possibly not understanding the value of LCHF for Glucose control, may well 'force' unwanted medication.

To me, this would not be acceptable and I do fear being in a very difficult situation should I be hospitalized at any time.
 
Well nutrition from hospital meals to aid recovery is their sole purpose and not treat diabetes, I guess.
However I totally agree no aid these choices and longterm may become a hazard to good diabetic care. Maybe specialist are aware so work even harder to keep us out of hospital. Out-patient care more effective. Only urgent cases in hospital for more than a few days, if that.
If does need to be recognised as a possible hazard. I worry for if I'd need a care home. They are just as hazardous for causing higher bgs.
 
On admission, in addition to current medical conditions and medication, other information required, should, and must, include any dietry requirements. If you control your Glucose levels by LCHF diet, or any other, rather than/or with medication, then I consider that is what they should make available, even if it's necessary to request a 'Special Diet'. In the same vein, a patient who manages a chronic condition, such as Coeliac Disease, requiring Gluten-free foods, must be given food fitting this requirement, requested via 'Special Diet'. Hence, I would hope that LCHF, or whatever other diet is responsible for controlling a chronic condition, should be respected and supplied.

Apologies but I forgot this line of requesting special diets when writing my previous post. I would recommend requesting this, or pushing for this if not readily available, on admission.
 

I entirely agree.
Maybe something like a turkey salad, or omelettes all round? The omelette would be a vegetarian option as well.
 
douglas99 said:
I entirely agree.
Maybe something like a turkey salad, or omelettes all round? The omelette would be a vegetarian option as well.
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I couldn't face many omlettes, I have to say. I'd want some meat, veg and cheese, salads with dressings etc if I was to be an in-patient for more than a few days. I'd also be wanting some sugar-free jelly with double cream, and other things including some small amounts of fresh fruits too!!!

I admit, I must be one of the world's most difficult patients when I'm in hospital which, fortunately hasn't been too often
[Edit - I haven't been an in-patient since starting LCHF so this is purely acaedemic but it useful thinking it through now, 'just in case'. ]
 

Bupa
 
douglas99 said:
Bupa
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Nah, shouldn't have to pay when all you require is what should be available for anyone

When I worked as a Ward Sister (on Orthopaedics, so patients mostly with healthy appetites etc) I would fight for my patients to get what I felt they should be provided with, and dietry requirements was a frequent issue. I have always been of the opinion that whatever care is necessary should be provided, whether Private patient or NHS.

NHS patient's provided diet is noted for not being suitably nutritious, with patients often suffering the consequences. This shouldn't be the case, surely!
 

Nothing's free, so maybe we need to raise income tax to fund the menu budget, as well as staff wages, and building new hospitals. It's not like the NHS is awash with spare money.
Individual multiple choices for every patient is going to be expensive.
 
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