How to Plan a Dinner Party with a Diabetic Guest

Planning a dinner party for a group of diabetics is not too difficult. Planning a dinner for a group where no one is diabetic is not difficult. Why, then, do we panic when we have a mixed group? We end up catering to one group over another, often serving a diabetic menu to meat-and-potatoes fans. Baby Boomers, who were raised on sugared cereals, French fries and soda pop, are beginning to have to pay the piper as type two diabetes is being diagnosed more and more as our population ages. Diabetes is no longer a mysterious, always-fatal disease. Research and medical advances have improved our understanding and made management of diabetes more predictable. One of the most effective management tools that has been developed is a smart diet, so maybe it's time for us all to begin eating more wisely.

Things You'll Need

• Carbohydrate guide

Instructions

1. Know what you're up against. Diabetes is a condition affecting the endocrine system, in this case, the ability to regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. People who have juvenile, or type one, diabetes (they've been diabetic most of their lives) are often on insulin-replacement regimens, which means they can make food choices a bit more confidently. Those with adult-onset, or type two, diabetes and are not on this type of medication (which regulates blood sugar the way natural insulin does) are more likely to be fighting the battle of choosing what to eat and when to eat it. A gracious host makes sure that there are foods that everyone can share without concern.

2. 

   Understand that diabetics can eat just about anything that non-diabetics can, just differently. Sugars and starches (which become sugar in the digestive process) should be limited. This can mean that pasta gets served as a side dish or that the main dish is broiled or grilled instead of fried. Lean meats and leafy green vegetables are good for the rest of us as well as our diabetic guests. If we understand that she can't pack in the sugar and starch the way we can, we can adjust what we prepare.

3. 

   Diabetics can't eat everything at once. Most diabetics are told to spread their food consumption out over a period of time rather than consume one big meal. Try to separate the cocktail canapes from the appetizer by at least an hour. Keep it light and provide plenty of non-starchy alternatives. Crudites (or raw veggies) are a good choice for your non-diabetic guests, too.

4. Always have some fruit or orange juice on hand for a diabetic whose blood sugar suddenly plunges. Serve water to everyone at dinner and be sure to keep the glass of your diabetic guests filled--its consumption dilutes blood sugar. Concentrate on the coffee or tea after dinner instead of sugary liqueurs and heavy dessert. Substitute fruit and cheese for chocolate cake and everyone will benefit.

Tips & Warnings

• Many diabetics "count carbs." Check proposed menus with a listing of carbohydrate values, available from a nutritionist or at a website like the ones below. Knowing what your guests are up against helps you make wise choices.

• Never presume to know that "just a little can't hurt" your diabetic guest. He knows that ignoring medical advice with this condition can lead to heart problems, blindness and loss of limbs.