Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the level of sugar in the blood is too high.
It can be controlled with medication, but it’s also vital to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent complications from occurring.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates and sugar is one way to achieve this, but it can sometimes be difficult to give up certain treats.
Cakes and other baked goods can be particularly problematic in people with diabetes, so try swapping these five baking ingredients with these tasty but healthier alternatives.
Swap white flour with wholemeal flour or oats
Aside from generally being healthier, wholemeal flour is also more filling that white, processed flour, meaning a smaller portion will keep you satisfied for longer.
Wholemeal flour can be a bit heavy for things like sponge cakes, so Diabetes UK suggests using a ratio of 30:70 or 50:50 wholemeal flour to white flour.
You can also reduce the amount of white flour you use and add the same weight of oats. This adds soluble fibre, which helps promote good glucose control.
Swap butter cream with fruit purée
Beat mashed banana or puréed apple with a little sugar and rapeseed oil to create a similar effect to butter cream, but without the extra saturated fat.
“The key is to beat it well, which helps add air to the mixture,” said Diabetes UK.
Swap sugar with fruit
Dried fruit can be used to sweeten cakes instead of sugar, and also counts towards your five-a-day.
Fresh fruit, such as grated or finely chopped apples, pears, blueberries, blackberries or peaches can also add flavour and natural sweetness.
Swap butter with oil or low-fat spread
Rapeseed oil, sunflower oil or low-fat spread can be used to replace butter, which has a high saturated fat content.
Swap chocolate cake with carrot cake
Adding some vegetables to cakes can add moisture without overpowering flavour.
Finely grate carrots, courgettes or beetroot and add to cake mixture.
“Home baking is ideal for people with diabetes. Unlike shop-bought baked products, which may contain lots of added sugar and unhealthy fats, you can make your baking healthier as you’re in charge of what goes into the mix,” said Diabetes UK.