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 Valhalla, NY - For those with Diabetes, Thanksgiving is often the start of an especially tricky time of year for trying to manage their health.
While the holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, they can also be the most stressful. 'Tis the season for parties, shopping, cooking and of course, eating! Delicious food, cakes, candy, pies and other tempting treats are everywhere and even the most regimented of exercise programs are often put on hold.
For most Americans trying to manage their weight and their health during the holiday season—especially Thanksgiving, often provides the ingredients for a diet disaster. Unfortunately, for millions of people this recipe of running around and overeating can become deadly when Diabetes is added to the mix.
“Along with monitoring your blood sugar levels, one of the simplest ways to manage your diabetes during the holidays is to pre-plan, this will enable you to manage your health in a variety of different situations that may come up during the holidays,” said Dr. Harriette Mogul, Associate Professor, Director of Research, Division of Endocrinology, New York Medical College and Associate Attending Physician at Westchester Medical Center specializing in endocrinology and metabolism. “You can check menus by calling ahead and seeing what will be served at holiday gatherings, this will allow you to eat right and partake in the holiday festivities while maintaining you meal plan and your health.”
“Most people with Diabetes can usually eat a little bit of just about everything during the thanksgiving meal. Including turkey and vegetables especially broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans and acorn and other squashes. Adding fiber is key while minimizing the mashed potatoes and limiting stuffing to just a spoonful.” adds Dr. Mogul.
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects more than 20 million people in the Unites States (a third of which are unaware that they have the disease) and over 100 million worldwide. It is a disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. If you have diabetes, your pancreas does not make enough insulin or the insulin it does produce, does not work correctly.
High levels of glucose in the blood slowly damage your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, legs, and feet. Diabetes can be associated with serious complications including loss of vision, limbs and even premature death. However careful monitoring and control of the disease can lower the risk of complications.
“The holiday season often brings added difficulties to the daily care of diabetes, especially in children. Having diabetes shouldn't prevent a child from having fun during special occasions,” said Richard A. Noto, Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. “The key for parents of children with diabetes is planning and education. Teach your child that they can enjoy most anything on the menu during holiday gatherings or any other special occasion but that it has to be in moderation. With the newer therapies of diabetes treatments available today there are more treatment options as well as freedom to adapt to the changes of diet dictated by the holiday seasons. Most of all, always provide family support, know what your child is eating on a daily basis and plan accordingly during the holiday season.”
Experts agree that Diabetes is always best treated by maintaining a lifestyle that remains as consistent as possible. This includes your diet. Extreme changes in daily food intake can throw your blood glucose levels off. To guard against these ups and downs in blood sugars, it is best to try and maintain your usual diet and exercise regimen throughout the holiday season.
For more information on the treatment of Diabetes visit www.worldclassmedicine.com.
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