Dealing with diabetes during the holidays
- col-bobbie-randall
- November 9, 2023
- 342
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Family history, inactivity, obesity and stressful situations increase the risk of high blood sugar. Glucose is another name for sugar, no matter the source.
Maintaining a stable blood sugar will take time and effort. It is said people who do not take time and effort to stay healthy need to expect taking time and energy and money to maintain good health.
Managing Type 2 diabetes, which affects 95% of the people with this disease, often requires lifestyle changes. Just taking a few pills does not cure it. If diabetes is not managed within normal limits, complications can get ugly and out of hand.
The target blood sugar range before a meal for someone with Type 2 diabetes is between 80-130 mg/dl. Fasting blood glucose readings of over 160 can affect every organ in the body.
Healthy blood sugar control requires effort. Stick to your medication schedule. Do not skip doses. Take medications at the same time of day, every day.
Do not skip meals either. Eating the same amount of food at the same time of day helps keep blood sugars steady. Meal routines prevent hunger and help medications work properly.
Carbohydrate foods, starches, fruits and dairy raise blood sugars. Eating a consistent amount every three to five hours can help keep levels within a healthy range. Aim for 30-60 grams of total carbohydrates per meal.
Checking your blood sugar is the only way to know how your body responds to eating, medications and stress. Taking a reading two hours after the first bite of a meal will determine if diabetes is within normal limits. This number needs to be at least below 180 mg/dl.
Record blood glucose results with what was eaten so you and your health professional can determine if the treatment plan is working. Write down any activity or stressful situation also. Diabetes is not just about food; it is about lifestyle.
Know the warning signs of a low or high blood glucose level. Do not over-treat a low reading. One serving of fruit or 4 ounces of juice usually remedies the shaky sweats until a meal can be eaten.
People with Type 2 diabetes who exercise regularly tend to have better blood sugar control. Thirty minutes daily of an elevated heart rate through movement can improve glucose levels, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Have a plan for parties and dining out. Large portions of carbohydrate foods can be a challenge. Fresh vegetables and salads usually contain the fewest carbohydrates and are high in fiber.
Diabetes is a family affair. When family and friends eat healthily and exercise with you, stable blood sugars are less of a chore and more like an activity.
Be kind to yourself when trying something new. Don’t beat yourself up in the struggle of controlling your blood sugar. The natural progression of diabetes causes blood sugar levels to fluctuate, and a different treatment may be required. Expect change. It will occur.
Bobbie Randall is a certified diabetes care and education specialist and a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.