• ‘well my mother’s/father’s the same’,

• ‘I’ve always been overweight’,

• ‘it must be in my genes’.

Research shows us that this comment has much truth behind it A child born to overweight parents is much more likely to be overweight than one whose parents were not overweight. It may sound like an excuse, but there is a lot of evidence to back the idea that our body weight and shape is at least partially determined by our genes.

Much of our knowledge in this area comes from studies in twins. Identical twins tend to be similar in body weight even if they are raised apart. Even twins adopted out as infants show the body-fat profile of their true parents rather than that of their adoptive parents. These findings suggest that our genes are a stronger determinant of weight than our environment (which includes the food we eat).

It seems that information stored in our genes governs our tendency to store kilojoules as either fat or as lean muscle tissue. Overfeeding a large group of identical twins confirmed that within each pair, weight gain was similar, however the amount of weight gained between sets of identical twins varied greatly. From this, researchers concluded that our genes control the way our bodies respond to overeating. Some sets of twins gained a lot of weight while others gained only a little, even though all were overconsuming an equivalent amount of kilojoules.

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1. Inform host parents that your child has diabetes. Explain which of the foods that are planned for the party will be suitable for your child and the approximate quantities. Do not be too exact about carbohydrate exchanges. Remember to allow for extra excitement. Some of the carbohydrate exchanges from the next meal could also be used.

2. Offer to provide diet soft drinks.

3. Host parents should also be aware of hypoglycemia. Excited children may often forget to eat or only have a few mouthfuls.

4. For younger children you may feel that you should also attend the party.

5. As your child becomes older discuss with him/her the types and amounts of foods that will be suitable.

6. On the day give the normal carbohydrate exchanges up until the time of the party.

7. The birthday cake brought home is often forgotten but if your child wants it, allow a small piece. Perhaps include it as part of the carbohydrate allowance at a later meal of snack.

Eating in restaurants

Ordering from a menu will be easier if you have a good knowledge of your diet. Experience at calculating your own recipes will increase your skills in estimating the carbohydrate content of restaurant dishes. The waiter may be able to assist you by describing the cooking method. Restaurants specializing in meals of a particular culture eg. Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Lebanese should not be a problem. Your dietitian can assist you in describing the types of foods that would be suitable. It is important that you consider the whole meal before ordering. Avoid ordering high carbohydrate dishes for all courses. It would be preferable to balance the meal by having a lower carbohydrate entree followed by a higher carbohydrate main course or vice versa. Bread can be used to adjust the carbohydrate content of the meal if required.

Low carbohydrate entrees/main courses

Avocado – 1/2 small

Seafood – sauces could add to carbohydrate exchanges

Pate – toast or biscuit served would add to carbohydrate exchanges.

Clear Soups

Plain Cooked Meats – sauce may contribute to carbohydrate exchanges.

Higher carbohydrate entrees/main courses

Crepes – savory filling

Crumbed Meats

Pastry Dishes

Desserts are most difficult to estimate as the amount of sugar used will be quite variable. Fresh fruits and ice-creams are easier to estimate. Cheese and greens may be a better choice.

Beverages

Natural mineral water, diet soft drinks are suitable. Fruit juices must be included in the carbohydrate exchanges. Alcoholic beverages can be included in moderation.

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