Managing Diabetes During the Holidays

Thanksgiving is a delightful time when friends, families, and neighbors gather together to celebrate what they’re most thankful for. The start of this holiday season is chock full of mouthwatering treats and tempting morsels. If the smell of turkey wafting through the air isn’t enough to get your mouth watering, the fragrance of apple pie in the air will make it downright irresistible! When you have diabetes, navigating a day full of eating can be full of obstacles. As with any healthy living suggestions, those from your medical provider are the ones that should be heeded. Contact your provider with any concerns about managing diabetes during the holidays and check out these tips that may help keep your blood sugar in check:

Have An Eating Strategy

Every diabetic is unique and it’s important to know your limit. Only you will know what the perfect combination is regarding how many carbohydrates, fats, fibers, and sugars you can consume. Plan ahead and make sure you’re allotting yourself room for the perfect balance as well as scheduling your medication accordingly. Avoid blood sugar spikes by packing snacks to ensure you’re sticking to your regular eating schedule.

Know When & How To Indulge

Don’t deny yourself your favorite dishes. Instead, adjust your eating plan appropriately. If you absolutely love the dinner rolls, leave the mashed potatoes off your plate. Craving a piece of pie? Try opting for pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream instead of pecan pie. Still craving that pecan pie? Have a tiny sliver to satiate your craving. Practicing moderation and a sensible portion size can go a long way.

Beware Of Unconscious Eating

Snacks and treats are everywhere. It’s easy to snack absentmindedly while catching up with your friends and family. A cookie here and an appetizer there can add up really fast. If you’re going to snack, try to aim for a healthier options like raw veggies with hummus, an apple, or nuts.

Exercise

Living with diabetes means you should be exercising regularly to help maintain your blood sugar levels. While it’s tempting to lounge around all day and watch football, find a way to fit in a workout during the festivities. Start your day on the right foot, by exercising in the morning. Squeeze in more fitness throughout your day by grabbing a family member and catch up on a walk, play a game, or go for a bike ride if weather permits.

Test Yourself

Although it seems inconvenient, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels throughout the day. Ignorance is not bliss in this situation. You want to make sure that you haven’t indulged to the point where you send your body into diabetic shock, or worse, ketoacidosis. The last thing you want is to end up in the hospital for overindulging. A few extra blood checks will help you monitor your situation, and stay on top of it as the day progresses.

Remember The Reason For The Season

If you slip up a little, simply try better the next day. If your loved one isn’t able to join you for dinner, make a new tradition and join them in their community. At Catholic Eldercare, we have many activities throughout the month to spend quality time with your loved one. We also aim to provide residents with tasty, healthy, and balanced meals. Our dedicated nursing staff is always available should any emergencies arise. Contact us today at 612-379-1370 to schedule a tour or to see how we celebrate the holidays with our residents. Remember, while everyone enjoys a good feast, it comes secondary to spending quality time with your loved ones.