Control Diabetes During The Holidays: 7 Tips

Do you have diabetes or high blood sugar? Then we have a few tips for you on how to get through the holidays well.

During the holidays, it is easy to lose control of how much and what we eat. Special dishes, parties with alcohol and sweet desserts lead us into constant temptation. In these circumstances, you cannot always  control your diabetes.

While most people don’t need to worry and just enjoy the days of excessive eating and drinking, it is different with diabetics.

People with diabetes need to be constantly careful about what they eat. Because even a small slip could spoil the party for them.

That’s why we’re showing you a few tips here on how diabetics can get through the holidays in good health and control their  diabetes .

Control diabetes even in exceptional situations

1. Make sure you get enough exercise

For those with high blood sugar levels, daily exercise is one of the best ways to protect their health.

During the holidays, many people like to rest and let their daily chores drag on until after the New Year. But that can have negative consequences!

• It’s not bad to take a little break. But to keep your blood sugar level under control, you should exercise at least a little every day.
• Exercise keeps your metabolism busy. This is especially important on days when we eat more than usual.

2. Stick to your schedule for the day

Distractions and days off are normal during the festive season, but they also affect your daily routine.

However, people with diabetes should be careful. Because this disease requires that you always do certain things at the same time. 

• If possible, eat your main meals at the same time (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• The same goes for taking medication and doing exercise.

3. Eat the right things

Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a feast too. Be careful what you eat so that you don’t end up suffering from high blood sugar.

There are tons of healthy recipes that will allow you to keep your diabetes under control even over the holidays. By keeping track of how much sugar and carbohydrates you are consuming, you can control your glucose levels.

• Ideally, you choose dishes with lots of vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat.
• You should avoid candied fruits or sweet juices.
• In order not to tempt you unnecessarily, it is best to stay away from the buffet.

4. Measure your blood sugar regularly

Checking your blood sugar levels regularly can save you trouble during the holidays.

With a simple test, you can make sure that your values ​​are stable. And if an irregularity occurs, you can intervene in good time.

• If you are taking insulin or other medication, you should check your values ​​at least every other day.
• Be sure to see a doctor if your values ​​are unusually high.

5. Drink lots of water

Drinking water and other healthy beverages every day improves blood flow in the body and prevents problems.

Because you will likely eat a little more than usual over the holidays, you should also drink more water.

• Drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

• After a particularly heavy meal, drink a glass of warm lemon water or unsweetened tea.

6. Don’t drink too much alcohol

If diabetes is diagnosed, doctors also advise against consuming alcoholic beverages.

Remember this advice during the holidays!

• Women should not have more than one alcoholic drink per day (for example, a cocktail, beer or glass of wine).
• Men shouldn’t exceed two drinks.
• In general, however, it’s better to avoid alcohol altogether. Instead, have a glass of non-alcoholic punch or beer.

7. Eat moderate portions

People with diabetes should always eat good quality foods. However, that doesn’t mean they can eat as much as they want.

No matter how healthy our meals are over the holidays, don’t overeat.

Do you have diabetes or high blood sugar levels? You can still get through the holidays safely with these simple tips on how to control diabetes.