Type 2 diabetes: Eat this type of birthday cake to avoid blood sugar spikes

Type 2 diabetes is when the level of sugar in the blood is too high.

The condition can be dangerous if left untreated, as it can lead to serious complications involving the heart, eyes, nerves and kidneys.

People with diabetes can still eat a wide range of food and don’t have to completely cut sugar from their diets.

However, they should still watch what they eat and limit the amount of sugar they consume.

One of the hardest times to avoid sugar and foods with a high sugar content is during celebratory occasions, such as birthdays, when cake is on offer.

So how can you still enjoy a slice of birthday cake while keeping blood sugar levels low?

The most obvious answer is to simply eat a smaller slice.

However, another way to enjoy a more filling slice of birthday cake is to swap traditional cake for lower sugar alternatives.

You can do this by making your own birthday cake, or by buying healthier alternatives.

When making your own birthday cake, decorate it with colourful fruit instead of icing.

This will remove unnecessary sugar and calories found in icing.

Icing sugar and cocoa powder are also better alternatives to icing.

Diabetes UK also suggests replacing icing with a wide ribbon to the side of the cake.

“This will cut back on sugar and produce an elegant looking cake,” said Diabetes UK.

For the filling, stick with a thin layer of jam instead of buttercream or cream.

Making a square cake will also make it easier to cut it into more even, slightly smaller portions, advises Diabetes UK.

When it comes to shop-bought cakes, fruit cakes and carrot cakes are better options as they typically contain less sugar.

However, you should keep an eye on icing and toppings, as those can pile on the calories.

If the cake has icing or fondant, take it off your slice before eating to avoid the extra sugar and calories.

“There’s nothing like a slice of cake on your birthday. Have a small piece of your favourite kind, or use these swaps for a healthier version,” said Diabetes UK.

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