‘Tis the season when folks will be dashing from one holiday dinner to the next. The time of the year when overindulging on your favorite seasonal snacks and treats is never questioned, but rather encouraged.

However, for folks struggling with diabetes, the holiday meals and sweet desserts can be tempting, but downright dangerous.

So, with World Diabetes Day on November 14, Kim Jeffries, RN and Health Educator for Barbour Community Health Association, provided tips on how folks with diabetes can stay healthy and still enjoy the holiday feasts.

1. Eat close to your usual time to keep your blood sugar steady. If your meal is served later than normal, eat a small snack at your usual time and eat a little less when dinner is served. Stay hydrated throughout the day!
2. If invited to a party, offer to bring a healthy dish!
3. If you have sweets, cut back on other carbs, like potatoes and bread during the next meal.
4. It’s important that you do not skip meals! It will be harder to keep blood sugar under control, and you will be starving. It is hard to make good choices when you are starving, and it is tempting to overeat.
5. Have pumpkin pie and not pecan. Even with whipped cream, the calories and sugar can be cut by one third.
6. If it is a buffet, have a small plate of foods you like best and then move away from the buffet table. Start with veggies to take the edge off your appetite.
7. Eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to realize it is full.
8. Avoid or limit alcohol. If you do drink, have it with food. Alcohol can lower blood sugar and interact with diabetes medicines.
9. Check your blood sugar more often and ask your doctor if your medicines need to be adjusted for the season.
10. No food is off limits. Choose dishes you really love and cannot get any other time of the year, like Mimi’s pecan log roll.
11. Slow down and savor a small serving! Make sure to count it in your meal plan.
12. Take time to be active. Staying active during the holidays helps your body use calories and reduce stress. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, so take a nice stroll after your holiday meal.

The holiday season can be taxing, and for those with diabetes, this time of the year can be doubly stressful. But by taking these tips into consideration, you can enjoy the holidays and still maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about assistance with managing your diabetes, call Kim at Belington Medical Clinic at (304) 823-2800 or Holly Holbert, RN and Health Educator at Myers Clinic at (304) 457-2800 in Philippi.