The holidays are a time of fun, friends and family – and food!  The months between Halloween and Valentine’s Day are often the busiest times of the year for special gatherings, days and evenings full of the joy of meeting up with those not seen for a while, opportunities to reminisce and relax in good company; this is also the time when the diabetic is at higher risk of compromising his or her overall diabetes management plan.

Keeping diabetic supplies up to date and at hand at work, in the home and in the travel kit is an important part of meeting the holiday health challenge.  The additional challenge during this time is that the diabetic needs to be very present in every moment so as not to inadvertently over-indulge during festive gatherings.

Managing stress levels and emotions can be just as important during the holiday season.  One way to do this is to keep a reality check on both demands on time and expectations during this busy time of year.  Trying to do too much may be as stressful as expecting too much of oneself and others and of then being disappointed. If planning an event or just trying to get in all that holiday gift shopping, ask for help from family and friends.  For those who love to entertain, planning a potluck rather than attempting all the cooking single-handedly can make an enormous difference in stress levels.

Other tips for keeping the stress and emotional eating reaction at bay include:

• Learn to say “no”.  It’s so easy to fall into the trap of doing so much for others that stress becomes overwhelming.  Learning to say no reasonably and without guilt can often eliminate that stress that brings about the urge to eat emotionally.
• Get to know people better during holiday gatherings.  By taking time to talk more in depth with others, instances of filling silence with eating and drinking decrease.  The benefit of this habit is the possibility of great new friendships!
• Exercise is always important to the diabetic as a means of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and never more so than during the busy holiday months.  Exercise is a great stress reliever, mood booster and health and vitality generator.

Planning is an important habit that aids in the successful management of diabetes.  From the planning of daily or weekly routines including diet, exercise and monitoring glucose levels with diabetic testing supplies, to reordering diabetes supplies, setting up the necessary annual tests with clinicians, and preparing for holiday travel, the patient with diabetes soon understands   the peace of mind that adequate planning provides. Additional ways to plan for a healthy holiday season include:

• Enjoying a small healthy meal before any holiday gathering or before a busy day of shopping, sightseeing or visiting friends and family.  Doing this curbs hunger and decreases the risk of snacking at fast food outlets or giving into temptation at coffee and tea breaks.
• Before traveling, packing a small basket of healthy snacks to enjoy in the car on the way.
• Avoiding eating in the same room or space where the buffet entices with beautifully presented tables overladen with rich foods and sweet treats – that is one huge temptation that should be avoided.  Without fuss, serve food and then leave the room or immediate area to eat.  If sweet treats are served in the workplace, find somewhere else to join others in celebrating the occasion.
• Eating smaller portions, especially when it comes to sweet treats, and drinking plenty of water. That’s one sure way to enjoy more of what is on the table without overeating.

People with diabetes (and perhaps others who need to consider weight control) should remember that holidays are a time to relax and celebrate life in good company, a chance to embrace friends and family members seen seldom, not about food.  Weight control is such an important factor in the management of type 2 diabetes, and helps reduce the risk factors for several complications presented by the disease.  Planning on healthy options during the holidays leads to a greater enjoyment of life and continued good health and vitality.