TANTALISING diabetic patients’ tastebuds has never really been a priority for culinary experts, probably because it is challenging for them to compromise on carbohydrate and sugar levels, and yet whip up delicious meals.

But a recently-launched cookbook – Celebrate: The Lifestyle Cookbook – targeted at Type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia, has 12 delectable recipes for dishes that are healthy, low in sugar and tasty enough for the whole family.

The cookbook is a collaborative effort among Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia (PDM), pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme (I.A.) Corp (MSD), celebrity chef Amy Beh and nutritionist Tan Sue Yee; and is part of the Living Well with Diabetes campaign launched by PDM and MSD in 2007.

The recipes in Celebrate: The Lifestyle Cookbook range from mouth-watering Chinese New Year savouries to a delicious Christmas roast.

There are also recipes for spring rolls, pancakes, briyani, kebabs and even desserts, all specially adapted by Beh with their nutritional content monitored by Tan.

Tan said Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that by 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 exercise care on our food intake.”

At the launch event, Beh prepared two dishes featured in the book – vegetable curry, an authentic Malaysian favourite, and a quick and scrumptious salad-on-the-go.

During her demonstration, the chef showed various cooking styles that can be used to ensure that the dish is healthy for diabetic patients as well as health-conscious people.

“As Malaysians, we love our deep-fried food. While this is occasionally permissible, the fact remains that the batter and oil used for deep-frying is unhealthy.

“We should opt for healthier cooking alternatives such as steaming or broiling, which will lock in the natural taste and aroma of the food,” she said.

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

“There’s a common misconception that healthy food doesn’t equal tasty food,” he said at the launch of the book.

“In fact, with enough creativity and knowledge, you can come up with delicious, yet healthy recipes, like those featured in this cookbook.”

PDM secretary general Datuk Rahimah Ahmad pointed out that statistics have shown that the number of people afflicted with diabetes is steadily increasing in this region and globally.

“Given our modern lifestyle, Malaysians need to understand that diabetes is a major health problem and we need to take control now before it’s too late.”

The Living Well with Diabetes campaign aims to educate people that diabetes can be managed with proper food intake, exercise and the right care to maintain a healthy blood glucose level.

Over the past two years, various activities were held to encourage diabetics to achieve treatment goals for their blood glucose levels and adopt a holistic approach towards the management of the disease.

This year, the campaign focuses on the nutritional aspect of managing diabetes, hence the launch of this cookbook.

About 3,000 copies of the cookbook have been printed and they will be available free of charge at various diabetic centres and hospitals nationwide.

The full list of centres where the cookbook is available can be found on PDM official website at www.diabetes.org.my.

This article was published in www.thesundaily.my on 21 NOvember 2011.