Diabetes presents daily battles for those who suffer from any form of the disease. The lead-in to the winter season, including, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve sets up a temptation-laden entry into a time of year that’s well-suited for the comfort of starchy carbohydrates and sugary treats.
As diabetes specialists, the caregivers at Millennium Park Medical Associates are sympathetic to the season, and they’re ready to help their patients handle the challenges of blood sugar control all 12 months of the year. They’d like to offer up these tips to get through the holidays and winter indulgence that can throw your blood sugar control off.
Know what to expect
All of the seasonal celebrations come with their traditions and, deliciously, your favorite holiday foods. You know what to expect, so you can do some homework before sitting down to feast, pinpointing the foods may cause spikes in your glucose levels.
Sugary delights should be limited for virtually everyone, but much of the real danger for diabetics lies in carbohydrate-heavy foods. The carbs found in foods like white bread, processed grains, and white rice convert easily and quickly into sugar in your body.
Stay on schedule
Holiday feasts often spin the timetable of regular meals, accommodating your family’s travelers and chefs. These special meals may fall outside of your usual eating hours, such as a late lunch/early dinner on Christmas Day, for instance. If you can, plan around these odd times, while keeping as close to your normal schedule as possible to preserve your blood sugar cycle.
Skipping a meal in anticipation of a later splurge actually has a negative effect on blood sugar control, leading to unexpected glucose spikes. Deal with irregular intervals by taking smaller portions at every meal through the holidays, and maintain a regular eating cycle throughout the winter.
Banish hunger
While the idea of arriving hungry at a seasonal feast is an inviting idea, it aggravates the dangers of a stirred up meal cycle. A handful of tree nuts or some carrots beforehand will take the edge off your hunger so that you don’t face the holiday table ravenous, while providing protection against blood sugar spikes.
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