Diabetes during the Holidays

Managing diabetes is a challenge year-round, but the holiday season can bring additional trials. Special events, schedule changes, unfamiliar foods and holiday stress can all affect blood sugar levels. While these difficulties can be frustrating, remember that your friends, family and medical team can provide additional support. Here are three tips for managing blood sugars or lending support to loved ones during the holiday season.

Monitor blood sugars closely

With all the variability that can occur during the holiday seasons, blood sugars may unexpectedly rise or fall. Watching blood sugars closely can help you react before levels are critical. Common disruptions to blood sugars include:

• Eating unfamiliar foods and beverages
• Changes in eating schedules
• Changes in activity levels
• Increased stress
• Illnesses like colds or the flu

By testing blood glucose regularly, changes can be made to help blood sugar levels stay within a healthy range. If blood sugar is higher than normal, drinking water, being physically active and taking medications as prescribed can help.

Friends and family can help by watching for symptoms of critical lows, including shakiness, sweating, irritability, nausea, headache and slurred speech. They can offer 4 ounces of juice or regular pop (equal to 15 grams of carbohydrate) if blood sugar is low. Call your care provider or seek emergency care if you are concerned about high or low blood sugar levels.

Enjoy a variety of foods

The holiday season is full of comfort foods and decadent desserts. While they are delicious, it can be hard to control blood sugars during these meals. Finding the balance of enjoyment and celebration while maintaining blood sugars can be tricky. It can be easier if we pair our favorite carb-containing foods and desserts with other foods that have protein and fiber. Foods like meats and vegetables help our body process the blood sugar at a steadier rate.

Friends and family can help by offering a variety of options at the gathering, including recipes that are protein or vegetable-focused.

Keep to your routine

Holidays are a busy time and special events and gatherings can throw off routines. Maintaining your normal schedule as much as possible brings a sense of normalcy and helps keep your blood sugars more consistent. Prioritizing sleep, consistent meal timing, exercise and medications can all help you stay on track. Utilizing alarms, reminders, and calendar events can all be helpful in organizing routines during the holidays.

Family and friends can help by asking if there is a preferred time to host the holiday meal or gathering.

These strategies can help manage blood sugars during the challenging holiday, but remember our goal is not perfection, but rather practicing and learning.

For additional support, you can reach out to the Firelands Center for Coordinated Care. Our team provides the latest in diabetes care, including our diabetes self-management program and additional classes to help you live and thrive with diabetes. Call 419-557-6550 or go to firelands.com/diabetes for more information.