The holidays are all about celebrating, indulging and rocking those stretchy pants. But for people with type 1 diabetes, festive foods can throw glucose levels out of whack. That’s where holiday diabetes management with a CGM comes to the rescue!
These holiday heroes deliver real-time glucose data to keep you on track, even when cookies and latkes try to sabotage your plans.
Why a CGM is essential during the holidays
For people with type 1 diabetes, the holidays can introduce variables that impact glucose control, including:
- Rich, festive meals and bigger portions
- Extra carbs
- Unpredictable mealtimes and tempting snacks
- More alcohol
- Less exercise
- Travel messing with routines and sleep
- Higher stress levels.
Holiday diabetes management with CGM ensures you stay on top of these challenges.
CGMs like the Dexcom G7 provide continuous data on glucose trends—sending alerts when levels are high or low and helping you enjoy the festivities with confidence and peace of mind.
Tips for CGM holiday travel and fun
- Pack smart: Bring enough sensors, chargers, alcohol wipes, snacks and fast-acting glucose for unexpected sugar changes. The Dexcom G7’s sleek design makes it travel-friendly.
- Place sensors for comfort: Choose spots less prone to sweat or irritation for holiday parties. The smaller Dexcom G7 makes discreet placement easier—try it out before your first big celebration!
Tips for eating and monitoring glucose at holiday events
- Balance carbs and proteins: Pair carb-heavy foods like latkes with protein or fiber-rich veggies to steady blood sugar.
- Control portions: Use smaller plates for treats like gingerbread or pecan pie—enjoy the flavors without going overboard.
- Track meals: Let your CGM guide you! Note how traditional dishes, like Kwanzaa sweet potato recipes, impact your glucose.
Alcohol and blood sugar tips for holiday fun
Holiday festivities often include the occasional alcoholic beverage.
Enjoy responsibly with your friends and family, but be particularly cautious of hypoglycemia.
- Watch for hypoglycemia: Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar because your liver prioritizes detox over glucose release.
- Eat while drinking: Pair your favorite drink with a snack or meal to help prevent drops in glucose.
- Use your CGM: Track how alcohol affects your levels—especially since symptoms of hypoglycemia can mimic overindulgence, like drowsiness or slurred speech.
Staying active during the holidays
- Get moving: Dancing or celebrating can keep you active and help lower blood sugar.
- Watch for lows: Intense exercise may cause delayed hypoglycemia. Adjust your CGM alert threshold slightly higher to catch dips early.
- Be prepared: Bring fast-acting glucose in case your levels drop during physical activities.
CGM settings for holiday peace of mind
- Customize alerts: Adjust Dexcom G7 thresholds slightly above or below your normal range to avoid unnecessary interruptions during gatherings.
- Monitor overnight: Charge your CGM and keep your device close if staying overnight. Use the Share feature on a Dexcom G7 to let family keep track of your glucose trends for added reassurance.
Managing stress and glucose during the holidays
- Stay mindful of stress: Holiday prep, like planning gatherings, can trigger cortisol spikes,, raising glucose levels.
- Use your CGM: Track changes in real time to adjust your diabetes management plan as needed.
Tips for Reducing Stress
- Plan Ahead: Create a schedule to help you manage responsibilities, reducing the likelihood of unexpected stress.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Short breathing exercises or mindful meditation can reduce stress and, by extension, help stabilize blood sugar.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Both hydration and sleep play roles in managing blood sugar levels, so make them a priority, even during busy times.
Embrace flexibility with your CGM this holiday season
One of the main benefits of a CGM is its real-time glucose data, which can be a game-changer for navigating holiday gatherings.
Your CGM is there to help you make adjustments in the moment, enabling you to enjoy a slice of pie, a glass of wine, or an extra latke with more confidence.
Embrace flexibility and have a joyful and healthy holiday season.
This content was made possible by Dexcom, an active partner of Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.
