If you have diabetes, the holidays can be a tricky time of year. With so many gatherings centered around food and all of the holiday treats, it can be hard.

Good news! You can still enjoy yourself and not feel like your missing out on anything at all.

Enjoy Friends and Family

Holidays don’t have to be all about eating. The most important part of the holiday season is the time that you spend with your friends and loved ones. Do things together. Volunteer, try a new board game or even put together some fun yard games or tag football. With all the fun you’re having, food will be the last thing on your mind.

Struggling with diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to suffer through the joys of indulging in treats that surround the holidays.

Chew slowly, drink lots of water and really savor the flavors of the foods you only get once a year. If you can’t resist trying both of the homemade pies, cut a regular piece in half and have both! Bring a dish you love from home that coordinates with your diet instead of worrying about what will be served. Any host or hostess would be happy for the extra dish. By meal planning and making food at home, you can have better control over your holiday intake.

If you’ve overdone it, stop for the rest of the night and indulge in the company of those around you. Make sure you check and monitor your levels and get back on track the next day.

Happy family running in the park and having fun.

Happy family running in the park and having fun.

Go Outside

You’ve probably taken a little time off of work during the holidays, so take that extra time to be active. Rake the leaves, plow the snow or take a walk around your neighborhood after breakfast. Being active will help you stabilize your glucose levels without the risk of having to rush to the nearest medical health clinic.

If you consume alcohol, always do so in moderation. Make sure you eat before you drink, so you do not mess up your blood glucose levels. Avoid high calorie mixed drinks and limit the number of drinks that you do have. Too much of these things could result in a visit to your primary care physician.

And if you have extra cookies or sweets, just leave them out for the big man in red — he is sure to enjoy them.