EASTER is a time for family, friends and, of course, chocolate.

If any of your readers across the Vale or someone they know has diabetes, they might be wondering if they can eat chocolate and other sweet treats at this time of the year.

Well, it’s a myth that you should eat diabetic chocolate.

In fact, Diabetes UK’s experts recommend only eating small amounts of ordinary chocolate and avoiding diabetic chocolate completely.

This is because diabetic chocolate offers no special health benefits over ordinary chocolate.

But with health being the name of the game, if you do have diabetes, try to only eat chocolate as a special treat and don’t eat lots in one go as it affects blood sugar levels.

Some of us might also like an alternative Easter present.

What about flowers or a book?

If you’re looking for new recipes for healthier meals, snacks and treats then visit our Enjoy Food recipe finder on our website, diabetes.org.uk.

We also have a booklet with lots of tips on eating well with diabetes which you can order from our online shop or call our office for a copy on 029 2066 8276.

Happy Easter.

Dai Williams

Diabetes UK Cymru