How to Successfully Manage Your Diabetes During the Holidays

Posted November 19, 2019 by James K Salem, MD

The holidays can be tough for anyone on a diet with all the celebrating, snacking and treats. Those with diabetes have to be especially careful around the holidays because gaining weight or rising blood sugar could be dangerous to your health.

If you slip into bad eating habits and they extend well into the New Year, you can do long-term damage to your body. Just a little preparation can go a long way towards keeping your weight and blood sugar down – check out these tips to use throughout the upcoming season:

1. Keep Your Health Schedule
   During the holidays your daily routine is thrown off with days off work and extra events that you need to plan for. Though your schedule may be in chaos, try to keep your eating habits and exercise on schedule to help you stay on track with your weight during the holiday season.

    

2. Check Your Blood Sugar Levels
   It’s easy to get distracted during the holiday season because you’re out of your normal routine, but that makes it especially important to keep a close eye on your blood glucose levels. If you take insulin or medications, or have a continuous glucose monitor, check your blood sugar more often and make allowances for changes in your work and exercise schedules.

    

3. Bring a Healthy Dish with You
   Ask your host if you can bring a dish or two that’s lower in calories and fat so that you know you’ll have a healthy option to choose from. There are many delicious, diabetes-friendly recipes that you can bring with you -check out the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Food Hub for some delicious inspiration.

    

4. Watch Your Alcohol Intake
   Even just moderate alcohol intake can have an effect on your blood sugar levels, so don’t drink on an empty stomach and try keep your intake to a minimum.

    

5. Save Your Carbs
   Carbohydrates can have the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels, so it’s important to count them carefully. If you’re looking forward to indulging in some sweet treats, budget it into your carb count from the beginning instead of adding it on top of a carb heavy meal.

    

6. Enjoy the Event, Not Just the Food
   The holidays don’t have to be just about the treats - focus on spending the holidays with those you love. Run around with the kids and grandkids in the yard, ask friends to join you in a workout, and take a moment to relax with friends and family.

At Summa Health, our Outpatient Diabetes Services are here to help you to manage your disease and live your best life. Maintaining your weight and dealing with the struggles of balancing your disease are just a few things your primary care physician can do to help you thrive.

Meet our team of endocrinologists available at a number of convenient locations. To learn more about the Summa Health Outpatient Diabetes Services, call 234.312.6420.