Smorgasbord of diabetic delights

FORT WORTH, Texas - For two former tax preparers, the numerous challenges of finding specialty items and supplies for diabetes added up to a big headache. In October 2005, the two opened Diabetic Delights, a 1,200-square-foot retail store specializing in diabetic foods and supplies. "Why should it be so hard for a diabetic to get supplies and food just to live," said co-owner John Ambrose, a type 2 diabetic. "I (once) ended up going to six different places to find a device to work with (a particular) lancet." Ambrose often traded shopping tips with co-owner Shelley Cox, who has type 1 diabetes. Now the two make it easier for others with diabetes to buy what they want. The store carries cough medicines, vitamins, skin care products, medical ID jewelry, shoes and other products for diabetics, but it's with the food that they go all out. The store stocks hundreds of diabetes-friendly food items ranging from dressings, dips and sauces to baking goods, snack foods and pasta. "Everything in the store we say is legal for a diabetic," said Cox. "We've been doing a lot of research." Cox and Ambrose simplify shopping for their sugar-conscious customers. Every product containing an artificial sweetener such as Splenda, is labeled with a color-coded circle. Microwavable frozen meals specially prepared by a local personal trainer and chef retail for $6.50 each and feature a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables--important for people monitoring their blood sugars. The store also serves bariatric surgery patients, vegans and others who follow a low-sugar, low-carb lifestyle. The store carries a small amount of low-cost meters, test strips and lancets for people without insurance or those who need something to tide them over. Most of the store's products are available on its Web site, www.diabeticdelights.net.