DO NOT LET DIABETES DAMPEN YOUR HOLIDAYS
- Be sure to take all your medications on a regular schedule, don’t let travel or the excitement of the festivities throw you off.
- Keep snacks, glucose gel or tablets with you in case your blood glucose drops while travelling to loved ones for a holiday celebration.
- Reduce your risk for blood clots by stretching or moving around every hour or two while in-route via car, plane or train.
- Eat close to your usual meal times to keep your blood sugar steady.
- Don’t skip meals to save up room for a feast. It will be harder to keep your blood sugar in control, and you’ll be really hungry and more likely to overeat.
- Have a healthy snack BEFORE the festivities so you don’t overeat; or bring one with you in case the menu choices are not healthy.
- Enjoy small portions of a few traditional favorites while sticking with healthier item like vegetable side dishes; eat the veggies first to curb your appetite.
- Go for the main course but skip the dip, gravy, butter, sour cream and mayo, etc.
- Eat slowly. It takes at least 20 minutes for your brain to realize you’re full.
- Pick fresh fruit for dessert over cake, cookies, ice cream and pie.
- Stick with sparkling water, or choose low-calorie drinks.
- If your physician allows you to drink alcohol, limit the amount, and have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines.
- Partake in physical activities like walking after meals. Walk outside to look at neighborhood holiday decorations.
- Going out more to celebrate with family and friends often means staying out late and losing sleep. Sleep loss can make it harder to control your blood sugar.
If you or a loved one struggle with diabetes you can still enjoy the holidays, no matter whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa! All it takes is a little extra planning and preparation. Stay on top of your blood sugar. Check it more often during the holidays, and if you take medicine, ask your doctor if the amount needs to be adjusted. For peace of mind let Visiting Angels help you watch your salt and sugar intake, count your calories, mind your meds and keep you active! As part of our Home Care professional services, caregivers and companions can also help you shop for gifts, bake cookies, and decorate your home for the holidays. We are available 24/7/365, as much or as little as you need us!
TILL NEXT TIME!
Irv Seldin, JD
President and CEO of Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
*Article not intended as medical advice