Forever YUM!

Children in the Hunter living with Diabetes and Coeliac disease can eat a little easier following the publication of a new gluten free cookbook.

Forever Yum is an 80-page recipe book that has been designed by paediatric dietitians and endocrinologists at John Hunter Children’s Hospital to improve the medical outcomes of people with Coeliac disease and Diabetes.

The project was funded by the Lions Club and involved organising gluten free diabetic cooking classes with well-respected Hunter Valley Chef Julie Van denBerg.

Two classes were organised with three chefs attending to demonstrate a variety of gluten free cooking ideas and methods. The classes involved hands-on exercises where recipes and new cooking ideas were shown to people living with Coeliac disease and Diabetes.

An increased incidence of osteoporosis, lymphomas and complications arising from poor diabetic control such as poor eyesight, kidney damage and nerve damage to legs and feet has been seen in patients who don’t comply with a gluten free diabetic diet.

Paediatric Dietitian Deirdre Burgess believes the recipe book will assist young people living with this challenging condition.

“The creation of cooking classes and the publication of Forever Yum will help young people with Coeliac disease and Diabetes comply with the gluten free diabetic diet they require,” Mrs Burgess said.

“A gluten free diet is challenging for a diabetic and their family, but complying with the diet is crucial to their health. To assist with those challenges we have featured tried and true recipes from our patient families, along with a number of helpful hints for preparing gluten free meals.

Research has shown assistance with cooking classes and the availability of recipe books improves a patient’s ability to follow this difficult diet.

Forever Yum is endorsed by Diabetes Australia and the Coeliac Society. Copies will be sold through their stores at an estimated cost of $20.

Media Opportunity:
When: Tuesday 27 April, 2010 at 7pm
Where: Charlestown Bowling Club
What: Launch of gluten free diabetic cookbook Forever YUM!

Alternatively
Interviews are available with Paediatric Dietitian Deirdre Burgess.

Media inquiries:
Lucas Coleman - 02 4921 3844,  0407 895101  (ref HNE-2237)