Diabetes and the Holidays

With the Holidays just around the corner, managing diabetes requires careful planning and self-control. Everywhere you turn, the sweets and carbohydrate laden foods are abundant! 

Some general tips to help manage diabetes this Holiday season: 

• Look for diabetes-friendly alternatives such as fresh baked sweets potatoes instead of sweet potato casserole, or mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes. 
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• Farm fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundant supply like apples and winter squash. Try something new. 
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• Cinnamon has shown to have some impact on lowering blood sugars: Try ½ to 2 teaspoons per day. 
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• Plan ahead. If you're going to a party, don’t linger near the food table and keep alcohol intake to a minimum: one drink for women, two for men per CDC guidelines.
   
• Eat all meals normally. Skipping meals and eating one large meal can wreak havoc on blood sugar readings.
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• Aim for balance. Skip the potatoes and eat the dessert or vice versa. 
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• Eat slowly and savor each bite. Recognize fullness before you are full. 
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• Take the focus off food and socialize. 
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• Exercise. Suggest a walk or hike after lunch or dinner with family and friends. As weather allows, play a game of yard football or frisbee. Regular exercise helps stabilize blood sugars.
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• Manage the stress of the holidays. Stress can have an impact on blood sugar levels. 
  
  

Give this Sugar-Free Pumpkin Pie a try. 
(Courtesy of food.com) 

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Ready in: 1 hr 10 mins
Serves: 8

‍Ingredients:
2 eggs
15 oz can pumpkin
3/4 cup Splenda granular
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp clove
12 oz can evaporated milk
1-9 inch unbaked pie shell

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Combine ingredients.
Pour into pie crust.
Bake 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 45 minutes.
Cool and garnish with whipped cream.

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The Wellview Care Team with many specialists including Diabetes Care and Education Specialists are ready to support you during the holidays! Click HERE to learn more about the Wellview services available to you. We can’t wait to work with you!

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– Sherree Telford, RD LDN CDE CHWC

Director of Specialized Solutions | Email Sherree‍