Thanksgiving with Diabetes: Tips for Managing Carbs, Blood Sugar, and Enjoying the Feast
Gobble, gobble. Thanksgiving is here. That holiday that revolves around eating. Celebrating Thanksgiving with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun! While managing it may add a few extra steps to the feast, you can still savor every bite and fully enjoy the holiday.
Your Carb-counting Life Just Got Way Easier
Whether you’re staying home or traveling to a loved one’s this year, plan ahead by checking carb counts and calculating the right amount of insulin.
And if you can’t plan in advance, there are tons of carb-counting apps available to help you in an instant.
Not Cooking for Yourself? Talk to Your Host
Don’t hesitate to inform the host before the event that you have diabetes. This allows you to plan ahead, discuss food options, and offer to bring dishes that support your blood sugar management.
If you’re planning to eat food you didn’t prepare, ask the chef for recipes ahead of time. This way, you’ll know the menu and can accurately count carbs.
Carb-counting Doesn’t Take Holiday Breaks
Carb-counting can be particularly difficult when eating meals prepared by others, as hidden carbohydrates like added sugars in gravies or dressings can throw off your blood sugar levels.
Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range is vital to staying well, so consider a few options:
– Bring a dish to your Thanksgiving celebration
This helps you and your host: you’ll have a carb-safe dish and contribute to the gathering without extra requests.
– Pack measuring cups
Feeling stressed about carb-counting? Use measuring cups to prep a plate with exact portions, ensuring accurate insulin dosing. It can also serve as a visual cue to spark conversations and educate others about diabetes.
– Bring a Carb Count Chart
They’re printable and mobile-friendly. You can also use a carb-counting app or website. You can’t cover what you haven’t counted!
Picking the Perfect Menu
Of course you can eat carbs, but know how many grams of carbohydrates you’re consuming so you can dose insulin accordingly.
Keep in mind that starchy sides can vary greatly in carb count. One half cup of mashed potatoes is 15 grams of carbs, whereas one half cup of candied yams is a whopping 45 grams. That’s a big difference!
Vegetables and high-protein options, such as meat, won’t require as much insulin and will therefore be less likely to result in a high blood sugar.
You could also consider low-sugar dessert options to limit the amount of insulin you need to take. And if one more person asks you if you’re dieting, you can politely explain it isn’t a calorie issue; it’s all about the carbs.
Other Thanksgiving Tips
– Walk it off
Incorporating a brisk walk into the afternoon could help lower blood glucose levels with all that sugar intake.
Be sure to only exercise within the limits prescribed by your health care professional though.
– Consider meal timing
Because Thanksgiving meal times may vary from your typical eating routine, be sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels and always have emergency sugar on you in the chance that you go low.
– No surprises
Watch out for hidden carbs (or gluten). You know those inconspicuous glazes and dressings—what was once a low-carb vegetable could turn into what is now a high-carb meal.
– Celiac considerations
If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, common in people with type 1 diabetes, let your host know.
Explain that gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, and items like oats and flour, while rice and corn are gluten-free.
Even small amounts of flour in gravies or soups can cause reactions. (which is very common in people with type 1 diabetes in particular), you should not hesitate to let your host know.
A Heartfelt Thanksgiving: Savor the Moments, Enjoy the Feast
Thanksgiving is about more than just the food – it’s about the company, the laughter, and the moments shared with those you love.
Managing diabetes during the holiday season may take a little extra effort, but it’s worth it to savor the joy of the day without missing out on any of the deliciousness.
Whether you’re home or traveling, remember that with a little preparation, thoughtful planning, and the right mindset, you can fully enjoy your Thanksgiving feast and feel great doing it.
