Managing diabetes means controlling your blood sugar level. Often, that’s easier said than done during the holiday season. If you’re one of the 10 million U.S. seniors who has diabetes, think twice before you take another helping of figgy pudding.

 

“If you have diabetes, your body can’t use sugar correctly,” explains Melanie Spindler, M.D., an endocrinologist with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic. “Making sure your sugar level is at a normal range—no matter what time of year it is—can prevent serious health problems such as kidney disease, foot infections and blindness.”

 

But watching your blood sugar doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the special treats the season brings. You just have to pay closer attention than usual to what you eat, advises Dr. Spindler. Foods with lots of carbohydrates can cause blood sugar to rise. Sweets are obvious culprits, but fruit, milk and starchy foods such as bread and potatoes, which are often on the holiday table, can also affect sugar levels.

 

“Eat small regular meals throughout the day to avoid overindulging and keep sugar levels steady,” says Dr. Spindler. “Try to avoid grazing at buffets or tasting when you’re cooking because you’ll eat more food than you’ll realize. If you’ve been invited to dinner at someone’s house, bring along a low-carbohydrate dish to share.”

 

What you drink matters, too. “Drinking alcoholic beverages can cause a blood sugar drop because your liver, which stores and releases extra sugar, is busy metabolizing alcohol,” explains Dr. Spindler. “Before you imbibe alcohol, always check your blood sugar levels.”

 

Eating and drinking aren’t the only activities that can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and fall. Another holiday staple can as well—stress. “The hormones your body makes in response to stress can interfere with how insulin works,” says Dr. Spindler.

 

Make sure your health is your top priority and prioritize other tasks to reduce stress. For example, if entertaining the grandkids at your house is too much work, don’t be afraid to tell your family or ask for help. If shopping is an ordeal for you, writing down your family history or putting old photos in an album can make priceless, inexpensive gifts. If you feel overwhelmed, taking a walk can help you relax as well as help you stay active, which can lower high blood sugar levels.

 

Most importantly, check your blood sugar levels regularly and manage your medication. Make sure you have all the medication you need before the holiday arrives and doctor’s offices or pharmacies have reduced hours or are closed. If you travel, make sure your medicine is easily accessible and stored properly. Let family members or friends you’re staying with know where the medicine is located. If you’re traveling by plane, be sure to get a letter from your doctor stating that it’s necessary for you to carry diabetic medicine, insulin and supplies.

 

If, despite all of your efforts, your blood sugar becomes too low or high, seek immediate treatment. Symptoms of too much sugar include thirst, frequent urination and blurred vision. Symptoms of too little include dizziness, shakiness and sweating. “Drink four ounces of fruit juice or soda or eat two teaspoons of sugar or honey to raise levels,” advises Dr. Spindler.

 

The holiday season can be difficult for a person with diabetes, but, with a little pre-planning, it can also be a happy and healthy time. “The more you understand what affects your blood sugar level, the better you can manage your disease and enjoy this special time of year,” says Dr. Spindler.

 

Melanie Spindler, M.D.,  board certified in internal medicine,  practices  at The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, a multi-specialty clinic with more than 120 physicians representing 24 medical specialties at six locations throughout Austin and Central Texas. Visit www.adclinic.com or call 512-901-1111.