From time immemorial, holidays have been a time for getting together with friends and loved ones, almost always over a shared meal.
Every holiday has its own characteristic foods and beverages that go along with it, and for this reason, the festive season tends to be a time when making health-conscious choices can fall by the wayside.
Whether you yourself are a senior with diabetes or you are reading this article on behalf of a friend or loved one, you can help to manage diabetes in senior loved ones and make healthy choices throughout the holiday season.
Choose Beverages Wisely
It is a well-known fact that alcoholic beverages can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels. Drinking sugary beverages, or drinks with sugary mixers, can cause your blood sugar to spike.
On the other hand, drinking under certain conditions, or in conjunction with some types of medication, can actually cause blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels as well.
The best choice, regardless of whether diabetes is involved or not, is to skip alcoholic beverages altogether and opt for herbal teas, diet or sugar-free soft drinks, and good old water.
If you do choose to partake, most medical professionals define moderate alcohol intake as only one drink per day for women, and two per day for men.
Be careful with unfamiliar beers or wines, as the alcohol percentage in these drinks can vary quite a lot. Light beers and wine tend to be the best choice for diabetics.
For cocktails, watch while they are poured to get a better idea of how much alcohol they contain, and choose mixers that are diet or low in sugar.
Pack Well for Travel
If your holiday plans include travel, whether by car or by plane, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to keep on top of your eating schedule to keep your blood sugar within healthy levels.
Bring ready-to-eat snacks such as fruit or sandwiches in an easy-to-access compartment of your purse or carry-on bag. And don’t forget your insulin and other medications.
According to the TSA, people with diabetes are allowed to bring their insulin, ice packs for cooling, and any other necessary supplies onto a plane in both their checked or carry-on baggage.
Delays can happen on the road as well as in airports and can possibly mean that you’ll be spending hours longer in transit than you had originally planned for. Don’t be caught unprepared!
Plan What You’ll Eat
For small, intimate dinners with close family and friends, your loved ones will most likely be aware of your condition and plan at least a couple of dishes that you are able to eat.
For larger gatherings, however, or if your hosts are not aware of your medical condition and its resultant dietary restrictions, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Consider bringing a dish or two you know you will be able to eat. Many people with diabetes or other conditions that affect what they can eat choose to eat before attending a dinner party to be sure that they won’t go hungry in case there isn’t allowable food for them to eat their fill.
Start New Traditions
What holiday dishes do you love, that are also healthy? It could be a fun family activity to share recipes for wholesome dishes that won’t send your blood sugar skyrocketing.
Taking care of your loved ones’ and your own health by offering a variety of delicious and health-conscious dishes at holiday gatherings can become your family’s way of spreading holiday cheer that won’t have negative long-term consequences.
Seniors who have diabetes may need assistance with managing their medications or keeping their blood sugar at a safe level at times.
Our CAREGivers at Home Instead are professionally trained to provide at-home diabetes care for elderly adults wherever they call home.
For more information related to diabetes care in Lafayette, LA, contact us at Home Instead. Our Care Manager will work with you to recommend the best care plan for your family at no cost.
