Here are 7 diabetes-friendly steps you can take to stay on top of your numbers and enjoy wedding season.
The wedding season is in full swing in India. Families come together to commemorate these happy events with celebrations. This involves attending dance rehearsals, rushing to get ready, and indulging in high-sugar candies and soft drinks on numerous occasions.
With relatives saying “muhmeethakijiye” (sweeten your mouth) at every opportunity, this can be a difficult time for some people trying to stay healthy, especially people living with diabetes. For them, finding healthy food options to manage their diabetes can be a big challenge in the face of samosas, tikkis, gulabjamun and ladoos. However, this does not mean that the wedding buffet, and the events before it, will not have any food that you can consume.
Planning ahead and making wise decisions will help you find the right mix between participating in the festivities and managing your diabetes, helping you avoid unexpected spikes or dips in your blood sugar. Here are some suggestions for managing your diabetes during this time. Here are 7 diabetes-friendly steps you can take to stay on top of your numbers and enjoy wedding season:
7 Ways to Manage High Blood Sugar During a Family Wedding:
- Have an action plan: In the event that you are traveling to another city for the wedding, discuss with your doctor in advance the best way to manage your medication schedule, diet, and lifestyle during this time (including adjustments to your medication, if necessary). Keep an action plan ready in case of any emergency as well. Take the medicines you need with you, along with your prescriptions (and set alarms to take them).
- Seek support: Keep friends and family who will be at the wedding informed of any help you may need to properly follow your diabetes care routine.
- Prepare the day: Start your wedding day with exercise or yoga, which can lower your blood sugar levels, burn calories, and help you control your appetite. Before heading to the event, eat a low-carb, high-fiber snack. Plan ahead and also pack some nuts or a healthy snack, just in case.
- Control your blood sugar levels: Says Dr. Vishesh Agarwal, Consultant Physician, Diabetologist, Clinical Cardiologist and Intensive Care Specialist, Mumbai, “In the midst of the festivities, don’t forget to check your sugar level, which you can easily do on the go as there are now CGM device options beyond traditional blood glucose meters that involve finger sticks.”
- Opt for diabetes-friendly foods: At the wedding, fill half your plate with salad or a non-starchy vegetable, and a quarter with grains and starches (roti is a healthy option!). Opt for baked, broiled, or sautéed foods instead of anything fried. For dessert, stick with the fruit-based or sugar-free options.
- Practice moderation: If you want to try some mithaior cake, make it a small portion. You can also consume alcohol in moderation if you wish and stay well hydrated by drinking water regularly.
- Move: If you eat or drink a little more than planned, some physical activity might do you good: you can hit the dance floor and shake it off!
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