Managing Diabetes Through the Holiday Season

Managing Diabetes Through the Holiday Season

As fall turns toward the holidays, family meals, shopping, and travel can fill the calendar. If you live with diabetes, changes in meals and activity can affect your blood sugar. Planning ahead can help you enjoy the season while keeping your care routine on track.

Plan meals without skipping them

Try to eat close to your usual times, and avoid skipping meals to save up for a large dinner. Decide which holiday foods you most want to enjoy, then plan portions around your usual meal plan.

A favorite dessert may fit better when you have less bread, rice, or potatoes at the same meal. Include vegetables, eat slowly, and drink water. Offering to bring a dish can give you an option that fits your plan. A comfortable walk after a meal can also help you stay active.

Protect your medicine routine

Check your prescription and supply quantities before traveling, and request refills early enough to allow time for questions or delays. Phone reminders can help you remember medicines when your schedule changes.

If meals will be delayed or you will cross time zones, ask your care team how to manage your medicines. Follow your personalized instructions for dose adjustments.

Keep supplies close

Carry medicines, glucose-monitoring supplies, and snacks where you can reach them. For air travel, keep essential diabetes supplies in your carry-on. Follow storage instructions and protect insulin from excessive heat or freezing.

Continue blood sugar checks as directed, and discuss whether changes in meals or activity call for extra checks. Know your care team’s plan for readings outside your target range.

Get Support from Daily Care Pharmacy

Contact Daily Care Pharmacy before your holiday plans get busy. Ask our pharmacist about prescription refills, medicine storage, and medication questions so you can prepare for the weeks ahead.

Source: CDC.gov