Keeping Your Blood Sugar in Mind For The Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, giving thanks, and of course— food. With an abundance of gatherings and holiday dinners to attend, there will be plenty of sweets and treats present that may cause a spike in your blood glucose levels. You may not have to completely give up the holiday goodies if you keep these healthy tips in mind:

Plan Outdoor Activities

Although you may have a lot on your plate this holiday season, making time in your schedule for physical activity is a must. Staying active can help reduce the stress associated with this time of year as well as counteract the effects of eating more than you usually do. According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that adults get 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.

Living in Jackson, Wyoming, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Plan a 20-minute walk or short hike together after your holiday meal—you get to enjoy their company while you take care of your body.

Rest and Destress

Holidays may mean staying up late to catch up with your loved ones, which leads us to miss out on getting some much-needed rest. When you miss out on sleep, it can negatively impact the way your body uses insulin.

The added stress of the holidays can also cause a spike in your blood glucose levels. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol that also cause your blood sugar levels to become unstable.

To help keep your levels regulated, remember to stop to take moments to yourself to be still and take slow, deep breaths. You should also try to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep to reduce stress.

Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly

While it is always important to check your blood sugar, it is especially so during the holidays when you may be indulging in foods your body is not used to. If your levels are higher than normal, go back to your regular eating habits to help your body to get your blood sugar levels back to normal.

Keep a Regular Eating Schedule

While your schedule can change drastically around the holidays between all of the shopping, parties, and gathering—your eating schedule shouldn’t. Prolonged fasting and missing meals can cause your blood sugar levels to drop and diabetic hypoglycemia can kick in.

If you think you’re going to be late for your meal schedule, eat a snack like a small box of raisins or a banana to help raise your blood sugar while on the go. If you think you might be out and about during your regular meal times, try to carry 2 servings of your snack with you just in case.

Diabetic Care in Jackson, Wyoming

Our team of internal medicine doctors (internists) can work closely with you to help you on your journey to health and wellness. Talk with one of the providers to discuss St. John’s internal medicine services and how we can help to get you up to speed on your medical care.