Managing diabetes is difficult year-round, but it can be especially hard during the holidays.

“The holiday season is full of temptation,” says endocrinologist Anne Borja, MD, with LVPG Endocrinology–Carbon. “But managing diabetes during the holidays is about finding the right balance so you can celebrate responsibly.”

To support you during the hectic holiday season, we’ve gathered some helpful diabetes management tips below:

Keep a regular eating schedule

You should try eating as close to your normal mealtimes as possible to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If a family meal is being served later than you are used to, it is a good idea to grab a snack at your regular mealtime and eat a bit less during the group meal.

Watch your carbohydrates

If you want to grab a slice of pumpkin pie or other sweet treat, you may want to consider cutting back on other carbs (like potatoes or bread) during your meal.

If you are hosting a holiday meal, you may want to consider providing extra vegetable, low- or no-carbohydrate dishes for your guests, especially if you know someone attending has diabetes.

Don’t skip meals

You may be tempted to skip a meal so you can “save up” for a larger group meal later on, but it can backfire by making it harder to manage your blood sugar and potentially causing you to overeat due to hunger.

Avoid excessive limitations

You should enjoy the holidays and the seasonal foods they bring. Instead of overly limiting what you eat, be aware of your portion sizes and balance things out with larger servings of vegetables.

Eat slower

By eating slower, you allow your brain to catch up to knowing you are full.

It’s best to start with your protein and vegetables so that by the time you reach your starch, you are already starting to feel full. This allows you to eat less carbohydrates without feeling that you can’t enjoy any of the starchy foods that are associated with the holidays.

Limit your alcohol consumption

As is true for everyone, it is best for individuals with diabetes to limit their alcohol consumption or avoid it altogether. It has the potential to greatly affect your blood sugar and potentially interact with the medications you take.

Check your blood sugar more frequently

As you eat more and consume foods that are higher in carbohydrates, it is important to check your blood sugar more often than usual. This will allow you to stay on top of concerning changes and make modifications as needed.

Stay active

Big meals can leave you feeling sluggish, but physical activity is very important for helping you stabilize your blood sugar and offsetting the effects of larger meals.

Exercise can be fun and beneficial for the whole family, too. You can ask those around you to join walks after a big meal.

To make an appointment at LVPG Endocrinology–Carbon, call 833-363-6274 or visit LVHN.org.