Diabetes management- more than just an eating plan. Christmas edition 🌷
As we head into the festive season and share in the celebrations and festivities, we must not neglect or forget that our blood glucose levels and overall health can often take the brunt of a lot of our "seasonal" choices - food (constant smorgasbord), alcohol, activity (or lack of), sleeping habits.Food is not only a source of sustenance and nutrition, it is also made to be enjoyed. Engaging in all of our taste buds and enjoying every bite, mouthful and sip of what we eat or drink is essential, however, we need to be mindful and take a little perspective on the overall impact of our choices beyond the Christmas season. It's like heading into the sunshine to get a dose of Vitamin D and neutralise that skintone without taking safety precautions (hat, umbrella, sunscreen).
Why you ask? It's just one time of the year you say?
Indeed it's a special time of the year made to be celebrated and enjoyed with family, friends and loved ones.
Whilst it may only be one time of the year, the behaviours we develop and continue, can often extend beyond this period. As a result we can engage in a new set of "normalised" behaviours which stretch out to the following year and suddenly another year has passed.
So, how do I prepare for the upcoming season, enjoy the festivities whilst still remaining sensible?
1) Plan - diarise the upcoming events
2) Prepare - if there is a chance to prepare things in advance or make a list of things, do so
3) Prioritize - prioritize what events you will attend and host. You can't physically be at 3 breakfast dates all at once. Otherwise you'll find yourself bouncing like a yo-yo
4) Be active- take this opportunity to go out for walks, runs, swims etc. Activity not only keeps your muscles engaged or frees you from aches and pains, it also refreshes your mind - something we cannot neglect
5) Sleep hygiene- whilst late nights and early starts can be part of the holiday season, it's important that we take this period to also recharge our batteries so we're ready for the upcoming year. A lot of our lifestyle choices, mood, decisions, energy can often be a result of our sleep (or lack of)
6) Keep yourself accountable to your diabetes management. Whether it's testing your blood glucose levels, taking your meds, injecting your insulin, etc. All these, as tedious as they may seem, are part of you, your health and well-being. Your caring health professional will be able to work with you to plan for the upcoming season.
Most of all enjoy this time, relax and recharge
Happy living everyone
Sherie Sourial- APD, CDE
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