Diabetes as a whole affects 37 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—and those numbers are rising. In the last 20 years alone, the number of adults who have received a diabetes diagnosis has more than doubled. (Though, it’s important to note that 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2.)
Living with diabetes can be challenging—it often involves a complex balancing act to keep your blood sugar as close to your target range as possible. So, if you know someone who’s either been recently diagnosed or has managed the condition for years, you may be looking to get them a little extra something this holiday season (and that’s very kind of you!). Still, you may be wondering what exactly to get someone with diabetes. It’s not always easy to know what will actually be a useful, appropriate, and appreciated gift for someone living with such a hands-on condition.
What to look for in a gift
When buying a gift for someone with diabetes, it’s important to support their diabetes-friendly lifestyle, notes Michael Maher, R.D., Long Island-based dietitian with the diabetes-friendly meal kit service, Teatis. “For friends and family we love, we should try to help them achieve the happiest and healthiest life they can and help them feel supported, which can make a huge difference in their life and even condition.”
However, it’s important to realize that while diabetes is likely a major part of their lifestyle, it’s not the totality of who they are—many people don’t wish to tie their identity to their condition. Not sure how your loved one feels? You can always ask them.
To help you on your quest to find the perfect gift for a friend or family member with diabetes, we’ve compiled a list of gift ideas, all expert-approved, that are sure to impress this holiday season.
The best gift ideas for people with diabetes
Swapping veggies in for carb-heavy foods like pasta and rice can be a healthy decision that can come in handy for people with diabetes, but purchasing the pre-cut and sliced stuff at your grocery store can add up. This at-home veggie spiralizer lets you whip up julienne noodles, spaghetti, tagliatelle, you name it, all from vegetables in no time.
Running, especially outdoors, can be a challenge for people with diabetes who need to have certain supplies with them, like a fast-acting source of carbohydrates in case of a low. This belt is made for running and can store all of the must-haves that someone with diabetes might need on the go.
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