The festive season is here and excitement and celebration could be seen everywhere. But it is not the same for everyone. Especially, people with diabetes, who face a huge challenge to maintain their sugar levels during festivals like Diwali and Chath Puja. It becomes crucial for such people to not get distracted and follow a proper routine and diet-plan even during this time.
As we know, these festivities include combination of feasting and fasting, many experts suggest that people with diabetes should avoid fasting as it might affect their health adversely. It could happen because fasting can lead to hypoglycaemia which is characterised by low blood sugar levels (below 70 mg/dl). It has severe consequences.
Sweating, tremors, hunger, dizziness, palpitations, and, in severe cases, confusion, drowsiness, and unconsciousness are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia. The immediate cure for these could be consuming 15 grams of glucose or sugar and checking sugar levels every 15 minutes to ensure that it has risen to at-least 90gm/dl. If not, further sugar intake is necessary. If the situation doesn’t get better, the patient should see the doctor immediately.
In order to maintain the sugars, the people must plan before these festivals begin. It could be done at three levels. These steps include- pre-festive planning, during festive planning and post festive planning.
Pre-festive Planning
Before the festivities one can consult their doctors and discuss about their plans, for instance if they want to fast for religious reasons. The medical professionals can assist you by keeping an eye on things and making recommendations. They can assist you in taking the appropriate measures.
During the festivities
One can take care of their blood sugar by practicing mindful eating. It is a crucial step for diabetic patients. This might include paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Some steps to do it include the following :
Avoid skipping meals
Apart from fasting, other reason why people skip meals might be that people are so much occupied with other household tasks like cooking, cleaning and decorating. This habit of skipping meals while working can adversely affect the health of diabetic people.
Pay attention to your portions
One must pay a lot of attention to the portions of their meals and avoid getting carried away. It is advisable for these patients take small meals frequently, and avoid skipping meals or over-eating.
Plan your meals
It is an important step. This could be done by checking the menus and then eating accordingly by opting for healthier meals. Staying hydrated is also very crucial step. Preventing dehydration helps in maintaining the balance of sugar in the body.
Post festive season
Once the festive season is over, it is very essential to go back to the routine. Daily exercises must be incorporated in your daily schedule.
This festive season let us all stay healthy and not deprive ourselves of anything by planning everything mindfully.
