6 Tips to Managing Diabetes Over the Holiday Season

Worried about the upcoming holidays and keeping your diabetes under control?

Fear not – there are ways you can fill your plate with delicious food and still keep your blood sugar in check!

Here are some tips:

1. Take a smaller plate to the table. By doing so, you’ll automatically eat a little less during each sitting.
   
   
2. Enjoy your food. This sounds a little counter-intuitive, but by taking the time to eat your food slowly and truly enjoying those fall and winter favorites (mine is pecan pie!), you can eat a little less while savoring each bite.
   
   
3. Avoid seconds. Piggybacking on the last tip, take your time to let your body start to digest your food. Your brain lags behind your stomach by about 20-30 minutes. Eat slowly and enjoy a lively conversation with your family while you’re waiting for those feelings of satisfaction to sink in.
   
   
4. Talk to your dining mates! Again, take that time to catch up on what’s going on with your favorite nephew or auntie. This helps build bonds between families and allows you to digest your food (and ultimately, eat a little less).
   
   
5. Don’t forget to take your medications. This is a no-brainer, but always take your medications on the appropriate timelines. If you use insulin on a sliding scale basis, be prepared to use your insulin on the go.
   
   
6. Watch your alcohol. This goes without saying for a number of reasons, but those who have diabetes should remember – alcohol will cause your blood sugar to go up! Limit the amount of alcohol you consume (guidelines recommend no more than one drink per day for women, two drinks for men) for a safe and fun holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Published on: November 7, 2018