Sweet news for diabetics

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TANTALISING a diabetic patient’s tastebuds has never been a priority as the emphasis on sugar and nutritional content takes centre stage.

In keeping with this emphasis, and at the same time appealing to the much neglected palate of diabetic patients, Merck Sharp & Dohme Malaysia (MSD) and Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia (PDM) launched their inaugural lifestyle cookbook, Celebrate — The Lifestyle Cookbook, especially for patients with Type 2 Diabetes under the Living Well With Diabetes umbrella campaign that was established in 2007.

Celebrate — The Lifestyle Cookbook consists of 12 healthy and delicious recipes based on various festivities in Malaysia and around the world from January to December. The recipes range from delicious savouries during Chinese New Year to a wonderful roast at Christmas, as well as main courses to desserts specially adapted by chef Amy Beh with nutritional content monitored by nutritionist, Tan Sue Yee.

Real easy: Chef Beh stirring up the Salad-On- The-Go during the launch.

MSD managing director Ewe Kheng Huat said the cookbook aimed to promote that healthy food that is low in sugar and suitable for diabetics can be tasty as well.

“There is a common misconception that healthy food does not equal tasty food. In fact, with enough creativity and knowledge, you can come up with delicious and yet healthy recipes just like what chef Beh and Tan have done through this lifestyle cookbook. And that’s our reason to celebrate today!” he said.

PDM secretary general Datuk Rahimah Datuk Ahmad echoed Ewe’s sentiments about the latest venture by MSD and PDM.

“Numerous statistics have shown that diabetes is steadily increasing in our region and globally. Given the drastic change of our modern lifestyle, Malaysians need to understand that diabetes is a major health problem and we need to take control now before it is too late”.

“The Living Well with Diabetes campaign was established in 2007 to promote diabetes education and management. Over the past two years, various public activities were held to promote Living Well with Diabetes. This year, the focus is on the nutritional aspect of managing diabetes and the society is proud to be part of this one-of-a-kind lifestyle cookbook here in Malaysia,” she said.

Cook and be merry: (from left) Rahimah, Ewe, chef Beh and Tan at the official launch.

Chef Beh who was present at the launch stirred up two recipes from the book, an authentic Malaysian favourite — the ‘vegetable curry’ and a quick and tasty recipe, ‘salad on-the-go’, much to the delight of the members of the media who were present.

During her demonstration, Chef Beh explained how various styles of cooking were also important to ensure that the dish is healthy for diabetic patients as well as healthy people.

“As Malaysians, we love our deep-fried foods. While this is occasionally permissible, the fact remains that the batter and oil used for deep-frying are unhealthy. Steaming or boiling food items lock in the natural taste and aroma and is, in fact, the healthier alternative,” she said.

The launch also featured a health talk by Tan, who worked alongside chef Beh in adapting popular Malaysian and international recipes to create healthier alternatives.

“Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and the World Health Organisation estimates that by the year 2020, there would be approximately 2.48 million people with diabetes in Malaysia alone.

Malaysians are known for their sweet tooth, but we need to be wary as the statistics clearly tell us that we have to be careful about our food intake,” she said.

“We are proud that 1,000 copies of the lifestyle cookbook will be available at various diabetic centres and hospitals nationwide for free. We hope that Malaysians will take this opportunity to pick up a copy. The full list of participating centres is available on the official website of Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia at www.diabetes.org.my,” Ewe said.