The 78th Cannes Film Festival lifted its curtains on May 13, 2025, and the length and breadth of the entertainment industry is excited to be a part of the prestigious event. The governing body, however, issued its official charter a day before, listing a new set of updated dress code regulations and diabetes-friendly dietary rules to follow on the carpet and beyond.
On the fashion front, the axe fell on voluptuous gowns with long trains and skin-show. “For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the Red Carpet, as well as in any other area of the Festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted,” read the document.
On the diet end, eating in screening rooms was prohibited, with a notable exception. “As a courtesy to other viewers, it is prohibited to eat in the Festival’s screening rooms. An exception is made for people with diabetes,” says the Festival’s guideline.
Curious, we contacted a health expert to understand why such a decision was made.
CV Aishwarya, a clinical nutritionist and lecturer at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, , told that people with mellitus are often advised to consume small, frequent meals to support better blood glucose control.
“Large meals can lead to sharp spikes in blood glucose levels due to the rapid influx of glucose into the bloodstream. In contrast, smaller, more frequent meals help maintain stable glucose levels, thereby reducing the risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia—particularly in individuals taking insulin or certain glucose-lowering medications,” she explained.
Aishwarya said that when individuals with diabetes do not eat for an extended period, several physiological imbalances can occur depending on their type of diabetes and the medications they use. “In those with type 1 diabetes—or type 2 diabetes treated with insulin or sulfonylureas—prolonged fasting can lead to hypoglycemia, as blood glucose levels drop in the absence of dietary intake,” she said.
According to her, during extended periods without food, the body begins to break down fat for energy, producing ketones. In individuals with type 1 , this can progress to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a life-threatening condition characterized by high blood glucose, elevated ketone levels, and metabolic acidosis.
“Blood sugar levels fall as a result of medication errors, missed meals, increased activity, alcohol intake, or underlying medical conditions. For individuals with diabetes, consistent monitoring, timely meals, and appropriate medication dosing are crucial to prevent blood sugar drops,” she added.
Frequent, balanced meals enhance the body’s insulin response, decreasing the strain on pancreatic beta cells. According to Aishwarya, consuming small meals regularly also helps regulate appetite and prevent overeating, which is essential for weight management, a key component in managing type 2 diabetes.
She added that spacing meals evenly throughout the day also ensures a steady energy supply, minimizes energy crashes, and promotes more efficient lipid and glucose metabolism. Consistent and balanced meal timing is essential for maintaining metabolic stability and preventing complications in people with diabetes.
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