Managing Diabetes During Festive Season

Overview:

Festival always comes with joy. People prefer to express them by sharing sweets and chocolates. It is no doubt it will attract everyone right from children to the elderly. The individuals who should be under self-control start losing it and binge eat on sweets. This is dangerous for people with diabetes. However, there is a common misconception that eating even the smallest amount of sugars and chocolates can be harmful to diabetic patients. It is completely not true. It is possible to replace added sugars with sugar substitutes.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which there are excess levels of sugar or glucose in the blood. This happens due to the resistance of insulin. Diabetes can happen when there is ineffective production of insulin or reduced production of insulin. When the excessive levels are not controlled, it might result in damage to the kidney, eyes, nerves, and several other organs. There are three types of diabetes. They are:

• Type 1 diabetes.

• Type 2 diabetes.

• Gestational diabetes.

What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

The general symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst.

• Delayed wound healing.

• Increased hunger.

• Frequent urination.

• Weight loss.

• Extreme fatigue.

• Blurry vision.

How Does Festival Influence Diabetes?

A lot of diabetic people lose their diet control during the festival season. They forget to carry their Insulin and related diabetes medications the whole festive time. Even though diabetes should not stop you from your enjoyment, you should not be careless. A single moment of temptation to eat excessive sweets and snacks could shoot up the sugar level to abnormally high. Will-power should be developed in an individual during these situations. If you have tried many exercises and workouts for a healthy life, all your attempts could be in vain if you lose your control in such situations.

What Are the Health Tips to Be Followed During Festival Season?

There are a few ways that can be helpful for you to stay more conscious about health:

• Inform your family and friends regarding your health condition. If you express the condition of your health to them, they might help you during emergency situations. The degree of risk is greatly reduced. It is also essential to have a pocket diary where your medical conditions are listed.

• Get a medical note or letter from your general physician. If you are traveling long distances, it would be necessary for you to carry your Insulin injections and diabetic medications. A confirming letter from your general physician will help you carry your medications with you wherever required.

• Set up a reminder. If you are on regular Insulin injections or medications, then you need to set up a reminder on your mobile phone so that you do not miss your doses.

• Add your emergency contacts to your phone. Even though you have informed your family and friends about your health issues, it is not possible for them to stay with you all the time. In such instances, you can add the emergency contact numbers in case of uncertain situations.

• Take care of your footwear. Wear footwear that has thick soles. Make sure it is comfortable for you. If you are expected to walk in moist areas and muddy regions, then this will make your feet more prone to wounds. These wounds might take a very long time to heal. If you are a diabetic person with nerve damage or neuropathy, then you have to take special care about your feet. Try to keep your feet dry all the time. It is best to carry an additional pair of shoes.

• Eat foods that are rich in fiber content. This might help you stay in good health. If you have a craving for sweets, try to make a fruit-based dessert so that you can maintain a low-calorie value. You can also try eating nuts such as cashew, walnuts, and hazelnuts.

• Choose homemade sweets. If you are planning to eat sweets during the festive season, then you can choose the ones that are prepared at home. Limit the usage of sugar or try to replace it with natural sweeteners. It might include palm jaggery and natural brown sugar. The American Diabetes Association advises that there are six artificial sweeteners that can be used as an alternative to sugar. They are:

  • Acesulfame potassium.

  • Aspartame.

  • Sucralose.

  • Saccharin.

  • Advantame.

  • Neotame.

• Diabetic patients can also choose sugar alcohols that are naturally available in the plants. They are known to have reduced calorie levels than normal sugars. The commonly used sugar alcohols are:

  • Mannitol.

  • Sorbitol.

  • Erythritol.

  • Xylitol.

  • Isomalt.

  • Maltitol.

  • Lactitol.

• Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water so that you stay energized and well hydrated during the festival.

• Do not skip meals. In some festivals, people have the habit of fasting in which you are required to skip meals. In such cases, consult your general physician and ask for recommendations from them to manage your fasting and diet plan. This will help you overcome hypoglycemic attacks.

What Are the Things to Be Avoided During Festivals?

Diabetic patients should avoid a few things to keep their health on track. They are:

• Consumption of Alcohol: It is strictly advised to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause damage to the liver. It also slows down the glucose levels and thereby increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol is also known to cause dehydration, especially during hot weather. This will increase the risk of stroke.

• Body Piercing and Tattoos: If your sugar level is well controlled, then there would not be any issues related to body piercing and tattooing. If your glucose levels are fluctuating, then there would be excessive bleeding.

• Avoid High-Calorie Diet: Try taking white meat as an alternative to red meat. You can also choose to have foods that are less in oil content. The level of salts should also be controlled.

What Are the Complications of Excessive Sugar Consumption for Diabetic Patients?

The recommended level of calories from sugar is 200 calories each day. The Americans are estimated to consume a level of 270 calories. It can cause damage to the brain, skin, joints, and teeth. The several complications associated with diabetes are:

• Wrinkles and aging of the skin.

• Increased bacterial load in the oral cavity that can cause dental caries.

• Rheumatoid arthritis.