{"id":16621,"date":"2020-11-20T09:00:17","date_gmt":"2020-11-20T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=16621"},"modified":"2025-11-29T10:14:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-29T15:14:47","slug":"diabetes-holiday-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diabetes-holiday-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to have a diabetes-friendly holiday season"},"content":{"rendered":"

Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie, ham, fruitcake, gingerbread cookies\u2014one dinner table can hardly contain the bounty of the holiday season. And with so many delicious options just a fork\u2019s length away, it\u2019s hard to not go back for seconds, thirds, or even fourths during the big meal. But for a person with diabetes, overindulging can send blood sugar spiraling.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not all <\/span>bah, humbug<\/span><\/i>, though. You can treat yourself this holiday season\u2014you just need to be mindful about how you do it, says<\/span> Sharita E. Warfield<\/span>, MD, author of the book <\/span>Get Informed!: A Guidebook for Recently Diagnosed Diabetics and Their Loved Ones.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be a lot of temptations,\u201d Dr. Warfield says. \u201dThe way some foods are prepared for the holidays can add a lot of sugar and sodium and things that may not be best for us with diabetes. That doesn’t mean you have to forego holiday favorites\u2014you just have to exercise portion control and some restraint.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

6 holiday do\u2019s and don\u2019ts for people with diabetes<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here are a handful of diabetes holiday tips to have a diabetes-friendly season.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do: Keep stress levels as low as possible<\/span><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s no denying the holidays can be a stressful time\u2014despite all the merry and cheer. Indeed, one study conducted by the<\/span> American Psychological Association<\/span><\/a> found that 38% of participants reported increased stress levels during the holidays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStress raises blood sugar all by itself,\u201d says <\/span>Mary Ann Hodorowicz<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian and <\/span>Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist<\/span>, meaning that people with diabetes need to be extra vigilant about remaining zen this time of year. She suggests starting your holiday planning early to avoid last-minute fretting and delegating responsibilities to help lighten the load.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those times when stress is unavoidable, make sure you have a mindfulness technique at the ready to soothe your frayed nerves, whether it\u2019s meditating, reading a book, calling a friend, exercising, or watching TV.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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