Managing diabetes during Christmas and New Year .



Health professionals from Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust are encouraging people with diabetes to take steps to look after their condition whilst still enjoying themselves over the Christmas and New Year period.

With the festive season fast approaching, it is by nature an indulgent time with many people happy to eat things they would normally avoid during the rest of the year. Whilst you might want to be aware of what you are eating, having diabetes does not need to stop you from joining in with the festive fun.

Erin Foley from Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s Southport and Formby Diabetes Team said:

“Christmas and New Year is a time when people often attend parties and visit family and friends. As a result, we may eat things we’d probably avoid during the rest of the year and we could all eat up to 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone! However, we have a few simple tips to help you to enjoy yourself while reducing the impact on your weight and diabetes control.”

Top tips for people with diabetes during the Christmas and New Year:

For starters try melon or smoked salmon which provides omega 3 fats to keep your heart healthy
Keep your Christmas dinner healthy with lots of veg, turkey without the skin and use your vegetable water for making gravy (skim as much fat off as possible)
Serve low fat custard or crème fraiche with the Christmas pudding, or try making a reduced sugar festive trifle instead
When having nibbles, opt for olives, nuts and vegetable sticks with low fat dips
Keeping active can help to control your blood sugar levels, so why not take a walk after your Christmas dinner
If you take medication for diabetes or other health conditions, ensure that you have ordered your prescription in plenty of time