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I wanted to send all of you some good vibes for the holiday season.
I’ll be honest – I’m not the most religious guy out there, but I am very spiritual. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and we have to do the best with the cards we’ve been dealt. For many of us, the hand we received was diabetes, so I wouldn’t rush off to Vegas anytime soon!
It’s also important that we pay attention to our emotions, and do the things that make us feel alive.
Which brings me to an important mantra that was written by a very smart endocrinologist….oh yeah, me!
Live Life First, and Be Diabetic Second.
Now, that doesn’t mean ignore your diabetes and eat everything in the house. What it does mean is that you should give yourself permission to participate fully in your life, especially during the holiday season.
Believe it or not, joy is an important part of glucose management. Stress can raise your blood sugars, so if your family starts driving you up the wall, tell them you have to excuse yourself for glucose stabilization purposes!
Enjoy the Foods You Love (Yes, Really)
Holiday tables are filled with traditions – your aunt’s pecan pie, your grandma’s latkes fried in enough oil to power a motor boat, the peppermint bark you swear you’ll only have one piece of. Food connects us to our families, our memories, and the season itself.
So give yourself permission to eat the things you love in moderation. And by the way, this is good advice for anyone during the holidays…not just people with diabetes.
If you’re on fast-acting insulin, you’ve got a little extra wiggle room to work with. You can adjust your insulin dose if you’re having a larger or more carb-heavy meal than usual.
If you’re not using insulin? No problem. You can still enjoy your holiday favorites – just be aware of portion size, and consider going for a post-meal walk with your friends and family if weather permits. Bring an insulated cup for a hot Irish coffee or a cold cosmo!
Get Comfortable In the Guilt-Free Zone
Diabetes takes up a lot of mental space most of the year, so it’s easy to start worrying early about what might happen during the holidays.
But a slice of pie, a mistletoe martini, or a few Christmas cookies can’t undo years of good diabetes management. So try not to stress too much about it. Enjoy your traditions without the guilt. Joy, connection, and kindness toward yourself are more important.
From Our TCOYD Family to Yours
At TCOYD, our mission is to educate, empower, and uplift people living with diabetes. But beyond the science and the strategies, we’re here to remind you that your life is bigger than a diabetes diagnosis.
So as you move through this season, we hope you’ll carry that message with you.
From all of us at TCOYD, we wish you a happy, healthy, and festive holiday season.
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