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7 Tips for Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays
‘Tis the season for lots of fun, and lots of food and drink. No matter your holiday traditions, they probably involve shared meals and plenty of treats.
That feels tricky when you’re living with diabetes. Fortunately, you don’t need to choose between enjoying the season and protecting your health.
Ashok Kadambi, MD, FACE, offers dedicated diabetes care here at Fort Wayne Endocrinology. He and our team created this guide built on that expertise. By implementing these tips, you should be able to enjoy the holiday season while successfully managing your blood sugar levels.
#1: Watch what you eat
The holiday season brings lots of indulgent foods to the table, and plenty of sugar. That makes it a risky time of year when you have diabetes.
As you’re fixing a plate, keep the diabetes-plate method in mind. That means filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter with protein, and one quarter with carbs. That gives you plenty of room for turkey and mashed potatoes, while still helping you get the nutrients and the blood sugar-stabilizing foods you need.
#2: And drink
Alcohol can have mixed effects on your blood sugar levels. Sweet drinks like eggnog and punch can obviously spike your sugar, as can carbonated beverages like beer. At the same time, though, alcohol dampens your liver’s ability to make blood sugar, which can result in hypoglycemia. Monitor both your drinks and your blood sugar levels to avoid a potentially dangerous slump.
#3: Bring a dish to share
Offer to bring something to contribute to the holiday spread. Then, pick a recipe that centers around your favorite non-starchy vegetable. This way, you have a solid option to add to your plate come mealtime.
#4: Eat slowly and savor
You can enjoy your favorite treats during this time of year, but do so in moderation. Take a small portion, then eat it slowly, really thinking about the flavors. You might be surprised how satisfied you feel with a smaller amount when you focus on savoring it.
#5: Walk it off
Getting moving can help to lower your blood sugar levels, counteracting any excess sugar you consume this holiday season. Plus, with neighborhoods decorated with holiday lights, it’s a pleasant time of year to head out for an after-dinner stroll.
#6: Keep checking your feet
Don’t let the busyness of the season keep you from staying on top of your feet. Holiday events might mean slipping on shoes you don’t wear as frequently (e.g., dress shoes, high heels). You don’t want to get a blister you don’t notice that then turns into an ulcer. Give your feet a quick visual check before you get into bed each night.
#7: Enlist support
Dr. Kadambi and our team can come alongside you to help navigate the holiday season. Visit our team for nutritional guidance, help finding the correct insulin, support with monitoring your glucose levels, or anything else you need.
Book your appointment online or call our office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today.
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