Managing Blood Sugar During the Holiday Season: A Guide

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also be challenging for those managing their blood sugar. At NMPC, we’re here to guide you with tips and strategies to enjoy the holidays while keeping your blood sugar in check—because your health is the best gift you can give yourself this season! 

Here are the 7 Tips to Stay on Track with Your Diabetes Management During the Holidays: 

1: Prioritize Self Care 

If you are hosting a holiday party, you likely have a big to-do list. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, take care of yourself in the days leading up to the holiday party by keeping your blood glucose managed well, eating your meals on time, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and setting a reminder to take any medications.  

2: Bring a Healthy Dish to Share 

If you are attending as a guest, you may have been assigned to bring an appetizer, side dish, entrée, or dessert. Instead of bringing a holiday staple (which tends to have sugary ingredients), this is your chance to bring something healthier to the table! A healthier version of traditional dishes will not only be great for you but for your family as well. 

3: Avoid Skipping Meals 

Some people may skip breakfast and lunch the day of a holiday to “save room” for the big holiday dinner. First, it can lead to blood glucose dips, especially if taking certain diabetes medications like insulin or a sulfonylurea. Second, it can lead to overeating at dinner, which can cause your blood glucose to spike. 

4: Practice Mindful Eating Over Mindless Eating  

Lingering around the food table can lead to mindless eating—eating when distracted, not hungry, or not being fully aware of what or how much you are eating. Mindful eating is being intentional about what you are taking from the food table. You are fully aware of the food—how it tastes and smells, its texture, and how it makes you feel.  

5: Plan Out Your Plate 

Regardless of whether the food is served from the kitchen (buffet-style) or from the table (family-style), you should scope out all your options before plating your food. Otherwise, you may end up with a heaping plate of starchy sides and very little protein and vegetables. 

6: Think About Your Drink 

Drinks can be a major source of “hidden” calories and added sugars. That’s because they don’t feel as filling as food, so you may not realize how many calories and added sugars you’re consuming.  

7: Move After the Meal 

The last thing you should do after a big holiday meal is lay on the couch for long periods of time as this can lead to high blood glucose. Try to get up and move! Go for a walk with a family member or friend after the meal. Play in the leaves or snow with your children or grandchildren. Or play a game of flag football in the yard—the options are endless!