These Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Desserts Are Really Easy To Make
Eat smart and you can get diabetes under control. These diabetes-friendly desserts will satisfy the sweet tooth without sending blood sugar levels soaring.
By Barbara Koh and Elizabeth Liew -
We're a nation at war. At war with diabetes, that is. In October 2019, it was announced that advertisements of packaged drinks with very high sugar content will be banned in Singapore, and we are the first country in the world to do so. Drinks with medium-to-high sugar levels will have to be clearly labelled that they are unhealthy.
Diabetes is without a doubt a huge problem in Singapore. A 2015 report by the International Diabetes Federation shows that the Little Red Dot has the second-highest proportion of diabetics among developed nations.
According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes has increased four-fold over 35 years because of “the way people eat, move and live”.
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Twelve per cent of Singaporeans suffer from pre-diabetes. One third will remain pre-diabetic, while another third will become diabetic. The last third though can actually revert to healthy glucose levels if exercise and lifestyle changes are made. Diabetics who make these changes will also benefit.
So what should diabetics do?
It’s a myth that diabetics should avoid carbohydrates. We all need carbs for energy, but diabetics are recommended to eat them in moderate portions, according to the Health Promotion Board. High-fibre foods are types of slow-releasing carbs that help keep blood sugar levels constant. What we don't needs are high sugar foods and drinks which have been linked with increased risk in developing type 2 diabetes.
So space out meals to avoid spikes, and be smart about what you eat. It doesn’t mean you have to give up life’s little pleasures. That’s why we’ve come up with these diabetes-friendly desserts. They are created using less fat and sugar and some have been given fibre boosts so you have better control of your blood sugar, without having to give up on treats.
*Consult your doctor or registered dietitian for a healthy diet plan.
Bananas are a low GI food, so they're generally safe for people with diabetes to consume. When paired with a health protein like almonds, which contain unsaturated fat, it can impact blood sugar levels positively. This yummy treat also uses wholemeal self-raising flour and two tablespoons of maple syrup (make sure to opt for 100 per cent organic), and makes for a great party snack that everyone can enjoy.
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It's stacked with calcium and low-fat, plus this refreshing treat has been made diabetic friendly. The Strawberry Mousse uses natural yoghurt, which a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows may help prevent diabetes.
Researchers found those who ate at least 55 g of yoghurt daily were 12 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The probiotic bacteria is believed to lower cholesterol and produce certain vitamins that help prevent the disease.
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Unlike many desserts that are high in sugar, this Poached Spiced Pears recipe uses only one tablespoon of caster sugar. Instead of relying on sweetness, the dessert's flavours come from spicy cinnamon, star anise and cardamom. And it's such a stylish dessert to serve guests.
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Healthy diabetic eating includes choosing foods that are high in fibre, especially solube fibre which can be found in grains. This Banana And Bread Pudding, a hotel buffet favourite, has been given a diabetic-friendly twist with the use of grainy bread to improve blood sugar levels.
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You can have your cake and eat it too. This Citrus And Almond Cake gets its sweet-tangy freshness from the citrus fruits, and wholemeal self-raising flour helps keep blood sugar in check while you indulge your sweet tooth.
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