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Ways To Manage Diabetes In Festive Season: It’s that time of the year when the country immerses in the magnificent celebrations of festivals. The months of October and November bring along with them some of the most joyous festivals including Navratri, Diwali, and Dussehra among others that are celebrated with great enthusiasm. From practising traditional rituals, dressing up in ethnic outfits, decorating houses to eating delicacies, we eagerly await the arrival of the festive season. Bingeing on sweets is one of the highlights of festivities, which is why it is important to be extra vigilant about our health during this time.

In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Ashok Kumar Jhingan, Senior Director, Endocrinology & Diabetes, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital said that as a diabetes patient, your biggest antagonist is sweets. A little bite or two might not make a lot of difference but an unregulated consumption of it during the festivities might lead to a spike in glucose levels, further worsening your condition. Dr Jhingan listed some easy tips to reduce cravings and manage diabetes amid the festive season.

Watch th video below to know about some diabetes-friendly breakfast ideas: 

Ways To Manage Diabetes During Festivals 

1. Plan For Festive Season

Festivities are an integral part of Indian culture. Plan according to the event you are attending. If you are attending a puja event where there will be sweets and snacks, stick to the options that are low in carbs and sweet factor. Even if you have to eat a dessert or two, keep that as your limit for the day. Avoid eating any other dish with high sugar content throughout the day.

ALSO READ: 5 Warning Signs Of Diabetes In Women

2. Focus On Portion Size

According to Dr Jhingan, maintaining a balance of all the vital macronutrients on your plate is essential. Include a healthy amount of simple and complex carbs, protein, healthy fats, fibres, etc. Ideally, you keep a check on the amount you are consuming. Even the 'healthier' versions of sweets in excessive amounts can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, something that won’t be a good thing for you with diabetes.

3. Be Mindful Of Carbs

Consume healthy carb-rich foods to manage diabetes effectively (Image Credits: Canva)

You should include carbohydrate-rich foods that have a low glycemic index and are complex carbs that keep you satiated for a long period. Festivals are filled with processed carbohydrates that have a high glycemic load. Find foods with a low glycemic load that won’t cause an uncontrolled spike in blood glucose levels.

4. Don’t Skip On Exercise

If you exercise every day, keep up with that habit. Switching from a somewhat active lifestyle to a suddenly sedentary lifestyle reflects on the body’s blood glucose levels. Even if you can’t find time to hit the gym, go out for a walk instead. However, Dr Jhinghan suggests avoiding exercise when sugar levels are either too high or too low.

5. Break Your Meals Into Small Portions

Break your meals into smaller portions of about 4 to 5 times every day, instead of 3 large meals throughout the day. This can keep your blood sugar levels more stable, while you are nourished adequately.

ALSO READ: 5 Healthy Drinks To Consume If You Have Diabetes | Diabetes Diet

Apart from following these tips, Dr Jhingan focused on the importance of medications in managing diabetes. He suggests that irrespective of your diagnosis of type-1 diabetes or type-2 diabetes, taking the prescribed medication or insulin therapy is key. Since your body is already unable to process the abundantly available blood glucose levels, the medication stabilises your condition and enables you to enjoy the meals through the festive season.