How to Celebrate AND Manage Your Diabetes
Who doesn’t love to celebrate? Now is the time for graduations, formal dances, family gatherings, and any reason to gather with gratitude for life’s milestones and just being together. Many of our patients have diabetes, and social events with a full spread of delicious food, can bring challenges to how best to manage your diabetes.
We’re here to help. You’re likely familiar with the fact that complications come with a diabetes diagnosis, but there are many ways to reduce your risk. One integral way is to manage blood sugar levels. It is a step worth your time, and you should check it multiple times each day. Before you head out to your summer celebration, bring along the following best practices from the foot and ankle doctors at The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists.
Don’t skip breakfast
On big days of celebrations or events, it might be tempting to skip breakfast. We consider this a big no-no. A part of managing your diabetes means eating well and at regular intervals. To wait until your second meal with an empty stomach is not the best start. If you’d prefer to start with a light meal, go for protein-packed options.
Pick up a small plate
You might think it’s a good idea to fill a large plate once and call it a day. Unfortunately, a larger plate can present the pressure to clear it. To manage your portion sizes and make things easier, begin with a smaller plate. Many events have dessert-size plates. When choosing foods, think about the rest of the event. Is there a special dessert later in the day? How have you been managing your blood sugar levels up to that point?
Stop eating if you feel full
Guess what? Leftovers are delicious, too. For family members and friends who know you manage diabetes, they understand the importance of portion sizes. It’s okay to pass on a second helping or skip out on dessert. Do what is best for your health. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel full, mealtime is finished.
Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. We recommend adding a podiatrist to your care team. We are here to help all of our patients. If you have concerns about foot ulcers, neuropathy, or other complications from diabetes we are just a phone call away.
With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, we have vast experience treating issues of the ankles and feet. Our team includes Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau. Our doctors offer the greatest in technologically advanced methods and cutting-edge medical treatments. Please call 520-575-0800 and make an appointment.
