With such a strong focus on food and drinks, diabetes and holidays can be a tricky combination. We’re here to provide tips on how to manage diabetes at Christmas events, as well as how to prepare before the holiday season rolls around.
It’s important to note that everyone has unique requirements for managing diabetes. These ideas will help you enjoy a jolly experience with your loved ones, but this is not a comprehensive guide. Talk to a qualified health care professional for personalized advice on how to approach the festivities.
Follow these tips to make the most of every magical moment this year!
1. Go Grocery Shopping
When it comes to diabetes and the holidays, it’s best not to rely on others for your snacks, meals, and drinks. Even the most thoughtful family members may not have enough information to properly accommodate your diet. Bringing your own groceries ensures that you’re able to stick with your eating plan, regardless of what’s already in the fridge.
2. Show Up With a Plan
Approach the festivities with a game plan. With so much food around, it’s easy to munch and nibble here and there, only to realize that your levels have changed significantly. Those finger foods add up fast!
Ask your hosts about what’s on the menu at least a day in advance. That knowledge will allow you to manage your diabetes and the holidays more effectively, as you’ll know what to expect. For example, if you know there’s going to be a lot of carbs at dinnertime, you could plan to eat a light lunch with lean proteins.
3. Don’t Skip Meals
One common mistake that people make when managing diabetes at Christmas events is avoiding food all day so they can eat a bigger holiday dinner. Typically, this approach ends up causing excessive eating, and more importantly, it may interfere with medication doses that are based on average food portions. Try to stick to your usual eating routine as closely as possible.
4. Be Picky
As you navigate your diabetes and the holidays, think about your favorite holiday fare. With such an abundance of food, it’s so easy to overeat without realizing it. One strategy is to choose foods that you don’t usually get at home. For example, if your grandma makes an amazing green bean casserole, you could skip the dinner rolls and have a larger portion of that instead.
5. Brush Up on Veggie Recipes
Don’t underestimate how tasty veggies can be! Salads and marinated and roasted vegetables aren’t just better for you than most holiday dishes—they can really add exciting colors, flavors, and textures to the meal. Approaching diabetes and the holidays doesn’t mean your food has to be bland! Look up some recipes, and get creative in the kitchen.
6. Don’t Overlook Sleep and Exercise
Managing diabetes at Christmas means considering your diet very carefully, but dining isn’t the only factor that can affect your health. Your usual sleep and exercise habits can easily get disrupted if you don’t make a point to stick with them.
If possible, sleep in a comfortable place where you won’t be interrupted for at least seven hours. Set time aside to get some physical activity, even if it’s just a stroll around the neighborhood.
7. Track Your Levels More Than Usual
Diabetes testing kits help to prevent highs and lows, but that’s not the only reason to be vigilant. The more you experience diabetes and holidays, the easier self-management becomes. Every get-together is a learning opportunity. Paying close attention to your levels this year will help you make informed decisions next year.
8. Pack Extra Supplies
It’s better to have too many diabetic supplies than not enough, especially if you’re traveling. There’s no guarantee that your usual supplies and medications will be available in an unfamiliar place. Bring an extra carrying case with backups of your essentials for peace of mind.
Check these travel tips: Traveling With Insulin: Tips for Packing Essentials and Managing Diabetes on the Go.
Stock Up on High-Quality Diabetes Supplies
Navigating your diabetes and the holidays together is much easier with the right products. We offer discount diabetic supplies and home medical supplies, so you can prepare for the festivities and save some money for presents too. Having diabetes at Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive!
Whether you need insulin syringes in a specific size, insulin pump supplies for your wearable insulin pump, or the least expensive glucose test strips, we carry everything you need to enjoy a safe and merry time. Shop now, and make this year’s holiday celebration one for the books!
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