With the festive season already here, you may feel a combination of pleasure and overwhelm if that is your first holiday season after being diagnosed. You’re probably excited to your favorite traditions, yet may additionally feel nervous about what to do if people ask you questions or whether or not you possibly can eat your favorite foods. Fortunately, there are some tried and true ways to navigate your first holiday season after diagnosis!

Tips on how to reply to questions

Since being diagnosed, you’ve likely had people ask questions about your diabetes. They probably need to know more because they care about you, but sometimes questions can feel invasive. For instance, if someone asks you if you happen to’re sure you possibly can eat a certain food, you may feel as in the event that they’re crossing a line. In spite of everything, you realize what you possibly can eat! 

Listed below are a number of ways to reply to questions people ask through the holidays (and beyond):

• Take a breath and remember they’re likely asking the query because they care, not because they’re being judgemental.
• Respond in a way that feels good for you. This might seem like giving an in depth explanation or perhaps keeping it short and telling them you’ve got it handled.
• If someone seems genuinely interested by your diabetes, tell them about reliable resources they’ll use to learn more. 

Take into accout that there’s no right approach to reply to questions. You’re allowed to step away if questions feel overwhelming. Ensure to do what works for you!

Eating through the holidays

Undoubtedly, eating at the vacations is one of the stressful parts of this time of 12 months. There are special foods available that you just love, but you may feel you should avoid them altogether. Luckily, this isn’t mandatory; there are methods to eat your favorite foods without cutting them out completely!

Try the following tips to assist stabilize your blood glucose levels (BGLs) while having fun with your favorite foods:

• Pair carb-containing foods with those who have protein and fat, which can help decelerate digestion, decreasing the likelihood of your BGLs spiking.
• Similarly, eat dessert along with your meal so the protein and fat out of your other foods can decelerate the digestion of your sweet treat.
• Stay hydrated, as BGLs can increase if you happen to’re dehydrated.
• Limit your alcohol intake, as it will possibly cause hypoglycemia. 
• For those who feel like you should bring your BGLs down, try going for a post-dinner family walk.

While you may still be determining tips on how to adjust your medications, especially if you happen to’re on insulin, you should use our holiday carb cheat sheets to assist!

Because you’re still determining how your body responds to foods with diabetes, it’s okay in case your BGLs are a bit of high through the holidays. Do not forget that this can be a day or two out of the 12 months—attempt to still enjoy it without the guilt.  

Keep on with your routine

The vacation season is a busy time, nevertheless it’s essential to maintain up along with your typical routine where you possibly can. Parts of your routine to proceed through the holidays include:

• Sleeping seven or more hours per night
• Moving your body often 
• Taking your medications as scheduled/prescribed

Following your routine will bring a way of normalcy to this time of 12 months while also benefiting your health!

Try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)

With the ability to make decisions based on data generally is a game-changer in terms of diabetes management. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which tracks your BGLs constantly, permits you to understand how various factors impact your BGLs. This wearable device also makes it possible to catch and treat high or low BGLs earlier. 

Other advantages of CGMs include: 

• Getting access to your BGL data without pricking your finger
• With the ability to share your data along with your healthcare team using the app in your phone
• Having the flexibility to review your data anytime using graphs and reports

Refer to your doctor about trying a CGM before the vacations so you possibly can get help with setup and wearing it ahead of time. 

You bought this!

The vacation season is supposed to be fun and you possibly can still enjoy it at the same time as you navigate diabetes for the primary time! Responding to questions in a way that’s best for you, ensuring to remain hydrated, sticking to your normal routine and using tools like a CGM can all allow you to manage your diabetes this holiday season. With time you’ll learn to navigate each holiday season with diabetes like a professional!

And if you happen to’re in search of support from others who even have diabetes, consider joining the Beyond Type 2 Community! 

Editor’s Note: Educational content for newly diagnosed individuals with diabetes is made possible with support from Abbott, makers of the Freestyle Libre 3 system, a founding partner of Beyond Type 2. Editorial control rests solely with Beyond Type 2.