Tips for Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays

Managing your diabetes can be challenging during normal life, but the challenge can ramp up with the increased amounts of eating and drinking that come around the holidays. Keep reading for a few tips on how to keep things under control.

The holidays are quickly approaching, and with all the joy and laughter comes a challenge: staying healthy with all the sweet, sugary treats that are so readily available.

For people who have diabetes, this time of year can be especially challenging. All the sugar you’re taking in can wreak havoc with your blood sugar levels, which in turn can cause other health issues.

From Pamela Phillips, Ph.D., FNP-C, and our team at Phillips Family Medical, here are a few tips for managing your diabetes so you can stay happy and healthy during the holiday season.

Plan ahead

You can’t always control everything about food when it comes to the holidays, so think ahead and have a plan in place ahead of time. For example, if you’re invited to a party and the meal gets pushed back, have a healthy snack (like nuts) on hand to munch on.

Or, if you’re asked to bring a dish to a gathering, prepare a diabetes-friendly option so you’ll know you can count on that no matter what other food is there.

Don’t skip meals

You may be tempted to skip breakfast and lunch so you can eat up at a big holiday party in the evening. This is a bad idea for diabetics. Not only could your blood sugar dip during the day, you’re likely to overeat once you finally get to the party, causing your blood sugar to spike. Feel free to eat a little less at breakfast and lunch, but make sure the meals are well-balanced.

Be mindful

Eating at holiday parties tends to happen mindlessly. You’re drifting around the food table and all of a sudden you’ve eaten way more sweets than you meant to. Just be mindful and aware of the food you’re putting on your plate, what it tastes like, and if you’re overdoing the sugar. Eat according to hunger cues, not just for something to do.

Watch the drinks

Drinks are sneaky. You’re just sipping a holiday beverage, but you may be taking in way more sugar than you realize. A 12-oz can of soda has up to 40 grams of added sugars, which is more than you’re supposed to have in a day. Water is always a good option!

If you need help managing your diabetes, our expert team at Phillips Family Medical has your back. We can help manage your diabetes naturally without medication, focusing on diet and exercise. To schedule an appointment today, call our DeSoto, Texas, office at 972-861-1151 or use our online scheduler to choose your own time.