Moderation the key for a sweet Easter

If you’re planning on indulging in some chocolate treats over Easter, spare a thought for those who won’t be joining you. Rhiannon Horrell talks to one woman about her life as a diabetic.

Gail Ellison is one of an increasing number of people who are not looking forward to chocolate eggs for Easter.

She has dealt with type 1 diabetes for 52 years.

"It is a difficult time for a lot of people when they are presented with Easter eggs," she says.

"I will have a couple of squares of chocolate, some fruit and perhaps a hot cross bun."

At almost 60 years old, she runs the New Lynn-Avondale diabetes support group, which helps those who have been recently diagnosed.

"It is a real epidemic at the moment, some people don’t even know they have it. It is manageable, I have an insulin pump.

"It used to be a problem when I was a kid but not now. It is not as erratic as it used to be."

Mrs Ellison says there is an increased number of New Zealanders who have diabetes and her friends never give her chocolate at Easter because they know of her condition.

"It comes down to lifestyle – people sit in front of their television or at a computer. It is a lack of exercise and the refined food they eat."

Despite sugar-free chocolate being available, both Mrs Ellison and Diabetes New Zealand do not recommend it because it is higher in fat and can be over-consumed.

More than 19,000 Aucklanders suffer from type 2 diabetes, according to Auckland District Health Board figures.

Jane Cooper-Woodhouse of Diabetes New Zealand says it is suitable for diabetics to eat two squares of chocolate or one small egg.

About 500,000 people suffer from pre-diabetes, which means they are at risk of developing the condition.

Diabetes NZ head dietician Alison Pask says normal chocolate is fine and the key message is portion control.

"People over-consume chocolate at Easter. The facts are showing an increase in people with type 2 and also type 1 diabetes. A contributing factor is the increase in obesity rates," she says.

Ms Pask says people should remember to enjoy every mouthful and to eat in moderation.

Theresa Clearly of Diabetes Auckland says in terms of chocolate, the bottom line is that a little bit is not the end of the world.

"Diabetic chocolate is high in fat and people tend to misuse it. They think they can eat unlimited amounts of it. Our most consistent habits are what have the biggest impact."

She says people can vary their diet depending on seasonal food and have a tiny amount and then get back on track.

Ms Clearly says the healthiest way to eat hot cross buns is without butter or margarine.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, is when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, while type 1 refers to the body creating no insulin.

Naturally Organic owner Neil Thomas says parents are also screaming out for Easter products for their children who are dairy intolerant.

"We offer organic, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy and vegan options."

Mr Thomas says his company imports soy milk chocolate Easter bunnies from Australia.

- © Fairfax NZ News