Diabetes is hard to live with but especially during the holidays, and especially THESE holidays. Managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and hypertension are important clinical goals of anyone who lives with diabetes. Diabetes self care requires monitoring blood sugars, taking medications, coping with stress, solving problems, being active and eating right. During the pandemic, all of these behaviors are more challenging when living in isolation, worrying about finances, having limited opportunities for exercise, surrounded by holiday food and desert, and fending off seasonal colds, allergies, flu, and other illnesses. Its hard not to be stressed when others are stressed around you as well. Although many aren’t hosting get togethers this season, feelings of loneliness and isolation can present unique problems and health and well-being. Consider the following when planning for the holidays and diabetes….
Plan ahead: If you will plan to eat a bigger meal, plan in some physical activity afterwards, or change your medication to manage blood sugar. Have a plan for meal and snacks whether its counting carbs or calories. A registered dietitian can help you choose low carb, sodium, and low fat choices. Foods that are high in fat and carbs can make it difficult to manage blood sugar.
Monitor blood sugar more routinely: Being aware of blood sugars is important, especially if you are eating more during the holidays or less active. Make sure to order enough test strips or supplies to use. Make adjustments if you are running high or low during certain times of the day.
De-stress as much as possible: Stress can release catabolic hormones that can raise your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Be physical active, practice deep breathing and mindfulness, read a book, or take a hot bath.
Living with others in quarantine during the holidays can be stressful as well. Some will try to sabotage your self care behaviors. Others will try to be the diabetes police. Consider using assertive communication when advocating for your needs. Use “I” language rather than “you” language. For example, “I would prefer if you let me make my own choices” rather than “You can’t tell me what I can or can’t have.”
Consider the Dining with Diabetes E-mail challenge that will take place in November, which is National Diabetes Month. You will receive an e-mail twice a week on various diabetes topics, and you’ll have access to recipes, and can interact with professionals.
Author: Dan Remley, PhD, Associate Professor, Field Specialist, OSU Extension
Reviewer: Lorissa Dunfee, Extension Educator, OSU Extension, Belmont County
Sources:
Masey, Alison. Dealing with the Diabetes Police During the Holidays https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/emotional-health/dealing-with-diabetes-police-during-the-holidays/
Carter Shannon. Being Mindful During the Holidays. Retrieved from https://livehealthyosu.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=11590&action=edit
Jamie Dellified, Dan Remley, Stacey Baker, and Jim Bates. Communication Strategies for Helping Other with Diabetes. Retrieved from https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-5322
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Thanks for putting it all together!