With just a couple of days left for Christmas and New Year celebrations to begin, type 2 diabetes should not stop you from enjoying this festive season. Our expert, Ms Sandhya Pandey, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Memorial Research Institutesuggests some easy ways to manage diabetes without missing out the festive fun.
Stay away from sugar-loaded desserts: In this festivity, I would suggest diabetics to stay away from heavy sugary desserts like cakes, pastries, cookies and candies. Eating too much without being bothered about the blood sugar will cause a spike in sugar levels and ruin your year beginning.
Limit alcohol intake: New year and Christmas celebrations are synonymous with partying and boozing. Drinking alcohol without clubbing it with some healthy snacks would be dangerous, if you’re a diabetic. The best option would be to substitute alcoholic drinks for diet sodas, calorie-free drinks and tea. In case, you’re taking some medications, it’s better that you consult your doctor before drinking because absorption of some medicines can be hampered with alcohol intake.
Track your portion size: Be conscious about your portion size. Always share your calories and carbohydrates with those around you. Sharing will give you a feeling of fullness and at the same time reduce cravings. If you have a sweet tooth, indulge in dessert/puddings with natural sweeteners and take restricted portion sizes.
Choose your snacks wisely: Unlimited buffet could trick you to overindulge in unhealthy food consumption. But if you choose your foods wisely at a party, you can limit the intake of these foods. Look for healthy snacks like nuts, salads and soups. Choose raw and steamed food over oily and creamy options. Increase fibre intake in the form of salads and greens in diet for better blood sugar control.
Monitor your blood sugar levels: Festive spirit can at times make you forget that you need to monitor your sugar levels. Inform your friends and relatives about your diabetes. You can also download diabetes apps to remind yourself about checking your blood sugar levels at regular intervals.
Time your medicines: To avoid skipping medication and insulin doses, keep a reminder or ask your closed ones to remind you. Alter the dosage of medication in consultation with your doctor/diabetes educator, if required.
Keep yourself physically active: No matter how busy you are, make it a point to exercise for 30-45 minutes every day. Any physical activity from brisk walking, climbing the stairs to practising yoga will help you regulate your sugar levels and prevent weight gain this season.
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Stay away from sugar-loaded desserts: In this festivity, I would suggest diabetics to stay away from heavy sugary desserts like cakes, pastries, cookies and candies. Eating too much without being bothered about the blood sugar will cause a spike in sugar levels and ruin your year beginning.
Limit alcohol intake: New year and Christmas celebrations are synonymous with partying and boozing. Drinking alcohol without clubbing it with some healthy snacks would be dangerous, if you’re a diabetic. The best option would be to substitute alcoholic drinks for diet sodas, calorie-free drinks and tea. In case, you’re taking some medications, it’s better that you consult your doctor before drinking because absorption of some medicines can be hampered with alcohol intake.
Track your portion size: Be conscious about your portion size. Always share your calories and carbohydrates with those around you. Sharing will give you a feeling of fullness and at the same time reduce cravings. If you have a sweet tooth, indulge in dessert/puddings with natural sweeteners and take restricted portion sizes.
Choose your snacks wisely: Unlimited buffet could trick you to overindulge in unhealthy food consumption. But if you choose your foods wisely at a party, you can limit the intake of these foods. Look for healthy snacks like nuts, salads and soups. Choose raw and steamed food over oily and creamy options. Increase fibre intake in the form of salads and greens in diet for better blood sugar control.
Monitor your blood sugar levels: Festive spirit can at times make you forget that you need to monitor your sugar levels. Inform your friends and relatives about your diabetes. You can also download diabetes apps to remind yourself about checking your blood sugar levels at regular intervals.
Time your medicines: To avoid skipping medication and insulin doses, keep a reminder or ask your closed ones to remind you. Alter the dosage of medication in consultation with your doctor/diabetes educator, if required.
Keep yourself physically active: No matter how busy you are, make it a point to exercise for 30-45 minutes every day. Any physical activity from brisk walking, climbing the stairs to practising yoga will help you regulate your sugar levels and prevent weight gain this season.
We invite you to visit our Facebook Page and our Homepage for additional information on products and studies on diabetes.