How to manage diabetes during the Christmas season: It’s that time of the year when the country goes crazy with grand festivals. October and his November months are home to some of the most joyous festivals such as Navratri, Diwali, and Dussehra, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm. We look forward to the festive season, practicing traditional rituals, wearing ethnic costumes, decorating our homes, and eating delicious food. Bingeing on sweets is one of the highlights of the festival, so it’s important to take extra care of your health during this period.
in a conversation with jagran english, Dr. Ashok Kumar Jhingan, Senior Director, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital It has been said that sweets are a diabetic’s biggest enemy. Just a sip or two may not make much of a difference, but unregulated consumption during the festival can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels, making the condition worse. Dr. Jhingan listed some simple tips to curb your appetite and manage your diabetes during the Christmas season.
Watch the video below for diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas.
How to manage diabetes during festivals
1. Plan for the holiday season
Festivals are an integral part of Indian culture. Plan accordingly for the event you’ll be attending. If you are attending a puja event where sweets or snacks are served, try to choose foods that are low in carbohydrates and sweet elements. Even if you have to eat a dessert or two, limit that to your daily limit. Avoid eating other foods high in sugar throughout the day.
Also read: 5 warning signs of diabetes in women
2. Pay attention to portion size
According to Dr. Jhingan, maintaining a balance of all important macronutrients in your diet is essential. Eat healthy amounts of simple and complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, fiber, and more. Ideally, you should constantly monitor your intake. Even “healthier” sweets can cause a rise in blood sugar levels if consumed in excess, which is bad for diabetics.
3. Watch your carbohydrates
To effectively manage diabetes, eat healthy carbohydrate-rich foods (Image credit: Canva)
You should include foods rich in carbohydrates, which are complex carbohydrates that have a low glycemic index and keep you full for a long time. Festivals are full of processed carbohydrates that have a high glycemic load. Look for foods with a low glycemic load that won’t cause uncontrollable spikes in blood sugar levels.
4. Don’t skip exercise
If you exercise every day, keep up that habit. When you suddenly switch from a moderately active lifestyle to a sedentary one, your body’s blood sugar levels change. Even if you can’t find time to go to the gym, go for a walk instead. However, Dr. Jinhan suggests avoiding exercise if your blood sugar levels are too high or too low.
5. Eat meals in small portions
Split your meals into about 4-5 meals each day instead of 3 large meals throughout the day. This helps keep blood sugar levels more stable while getting proper nutrition.
Also read: 5 Healthy Drinks to Consume If You Have Diabetes | Diabetes Diet
Apart from following these tips, Dr. Jhingan focused on the importance of medication in managing diabetes. He suggests that regardless of the diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, taking prescription medications or insulin therapy is important. Your body can’t handle the blood sugar levels you already have in abundance, so this medication will stabilize your condition and allow you to enjoy food throughout the Christmas season.
