As the holiday season approaches, managing diabetes can be a particularly challenging feat.
Living With Diabetes
Learn about the basics of diabetes, and get tips on how meal planning, exercise, proper medication and coping strategies can help you live well.
With the festivities and gatherings, this time of year provides many opportunities to overindulge in sugary foods and drinks. Before you think it’s impossible, remember the key to keeping your diabetes under control is moderation. Portion sizes and swapping out choices for healthier alternatives can help make it possible. The good news is that you can indulge in a healthy way by making informed choices. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind before hitting the holiday spreads:
- Distribute your high-carb and sugary treats across multiple meals.
- Balance your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein.
- Consider healthier alternatives to your favorite dishes.
- Avoid excessive snacking.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly if you choose to drink alcohol.
Poorly managed diabetes can result in serious complications. Physical activity is an important part of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and offers numerous benefits, including weight management, improved blood pressure and increased flexibility and strength. Incorporating exercise into your holiday routine can help you enjoy the festivities while keeping your diabetes under control.
Here are some useful suggestions:
- Schedule daily walks with family or friends.
- Participate in holiday-themed fitness events, such as charity runs or festive dance classes.
- Add some movement to your holiday traditions with fun activities like playing touch football or ice skating.
Despite the temptation of sugary treats, it’s possible to enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health if you know how. Keep track of your blood sugar by maintaining a consistent monitoring schedule to prevent unexpected spikes or drops in blood sugar. If you are traveling over the holidays, be sure to pack all the diabetes management tools and medication you’ll need while you are away from home.
As the holiday season unfolds, remember that managing diabetes doesn’t mean missing out on the joys of the festivities. North Kansas City Hospital and Meritas Health is here to help. Learn more about our diabetes care resources to stay on top of your health, or contact our certified diabetes educators —who can help develop a personalized plan to manage your diabetes effectively.
