Managing diabetes is hard year-round, but the holidays can make it even harder, especially because food and holiday celebrations are so interconnected, and visiting family and friends can disrupt your routine.

At Grand Oaks, we believe the holidays should be a time to fully relax and enjoy, surrounded by the people you love. Read on to see how to navigate the holidays while managing diabetes.

Create A Supportive Environment & Mindset

Food is a focal point of celebrations, especially holiday celebrations. When the two are interconnected, it can feel like you cannot have the one without the other. But that could not be further from the truth. Bring your loved ones together and agree to focus on visiting family and friends, rather than the food and drinks served.

For those who typically serve dishes that have been in the family for decades, recognize that even if you swap a few ingredients, the dish still celebrates those before you while including the people who are here now.

In addition to unlinking ‘holidays’ from ‘food,’ tell your family how they can best support you. Ask yourself: Do I need help staying in my routine while visiting? If yes, think about what your routine includes:

• Consistent meal timing
• Frequent snacks
• Hydration tracking
• Blood glucose testing
• Medicine intake
• Regular movement

If you think it would be helpful for your family to carry snacks, give reminders, or move with you, let them know. When the people around you know what you need, they will worry less and so will you, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the celebration.

Plan Ahead

If your family or friends are hosting you for the holiday festivities, that can take a lot of stress off your plate, but you may still be concerned about the food on your plate. Before attending, ask about what meals, sides, and desserts they plan to have. Consider the dishes and decide in advance what you may eat to avoid impulsive decisions later. If the choices sound like foods you should be more cautious with, ask if you can make a diabetes-friendly dish of your own to share.

Before family and friends come into town, avoid feeling overwhelmed by taking extra care of yourself in the days leading up to the holiday festivities. Manage your blood glucose well, eat meals on time, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and set medication reminders. During this time, you can take advantage of Grand Oaks dining, where every dish is curated with your health and well-being in mind.

Be Patient & Enjoy

People living with diabetes can be hard on themselves. Remember you can still enjoy your favorite holiday treats in moderation. Focus on the dishes you really love and do not get during other times of the year. If there is more you wish you could enjoy but cannot have during one meal, ask the host if you can take a few of your favorites home to enjoy later so you do not feel like you are missing out or overdoing it.

Most of all, remember: one wrong turn does not mean you will never get to your destination. Understand that something may not work out as planned. You may forget to take a walk, or eat a snack, or miss a mealtime by an hour or two, but that is okay. Remind yourself that the holidays can be an overwhelming and stressful time, and that you are doing your best.

Being patient with yourself will help you stay present and truly enjoy the company and festivities around you. Take deep breaths, share good conversation, and lean on your support system when you need help.

Grand Oaks Support

The tips in this practical holiday guide aim to keep stress low for seniors with diabetes. While stress from the holidays can get to anyone, those managing diabetes can have a boost in hormone levels that counteracts the effect of insulin and raises their blood sugar.

At Grand Oaks, we are here to assist our residents with what they need, when they need it––during this holiday season and every day. If you or your loved one is looking for a senior living community with the freedoms of independent living but the reassurance of personalized care, contact our team today or schedule a tour!

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