Diabetes Awareness Month

November is a month dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Diabetes Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate ourselves and others about this disease, its prevention, and management. Living with diabetes is a daily challenge, and for individuals with disabilities, the journey may be even more complex. Some disabilities can affect physical activity, mobility, and the ability to prepare specific foods, making diabetes management a unique challenge. It’s crucial to ensure that diabetes resources and support are accessible and inclusive for all, regardless of their abilities.

While it’s essential to focus on healthy eating, we can still satisfy our sweet teeth with diabetes-friendly desserts. In this blog, we’ll share a delectable, low-calorie pumpkin dessert recipe perfect for celebrating this important month.

Recipe: Diabetes-Friendly Pumpkin Spice Pudding

Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s unsweetened)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or non-fat)
2 tablespoons honey or a sugar substitute of your choice
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) and a dollop of Greek yogurt for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, honey (or sugar substitute), pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness and spice level according to your preference. You can add a little more honey or spice if needed.
Divide the mixture into small serving dishes or ramekins.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up slightly.
Before serving, garnish with chopped nuts and a dollop of Greek yogurt, if desired.

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Furthermore, Greek yogurt adds protein without excessive sugars, promoting a feeling of fullness and helping maintain blood sugar control. Honey can be substituted with a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol, making it suitable for those watching their sugar intake. This dessert is low in calories and has a low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Awareness Month is a time for everyone to come together, acknowledging and supporting those living with diabetes, including individuals with disabilities. By promoting accessibility and inclusive resources, we can empower all individuals to manage their diabetes effectively. This accessible Pumpkin Spice Pudding is a tasty reminder that everyone can enjoy diabetes-friendly, low-calorie desserts, regardless of their abilities. Share this recipe with your loved ones to spread awareness and show that diabetes management can be a delicious and accessible journey for all.