Wedding season is in full swing in India. Families are celebrating to celebrate these happy events. This includes attending dance rehearsals, running around to get ready, and on many occasions sweets and snacks that are high in sugar. When relatives say “muh meetha karein” (sweeten your mouth) at every opportunity, it can be a difficult time for some people trying to stay healthy – especially those with diabetes. For them, finding healthy food options to manage their diabetes in front of samosas, tikkis, gulab jamuns and laddus can be a big challenge. However, that doesn’t mean that the wedding buffet – and prewedding events – won’t have any food you can consume.
Planning ahead and choosing wisely will help you find the right mix between attending the festivities and managing your diabetes, helping you avoid any unexpected blood sugar highs or lows. Here are some tips to control your diabetes during this period.
Here are 7 diabetes-friendly steps you can take to stay on top of your numbers and enjoy wedding season:
Have an action plan: If you are traveling to another city for a wedding, talk to your doctor about how to best manage your medication schedule, diet, and lifestyle during this time (change your medication, if necessary). including adjustments). Have an action plan ready for any emergency as well. Carry the medicines you need (and set an alarm to take them) with your prescriptions.
Support requests: Keep friends and family attending the wedding informed about any help you may need to properly follow your diabetes care routine.
Be prepared for the day: Start the wedding day with exercise or yoga, which can lower your blood sugar levels, burn calories, and help you control your appetite. Before leaving for the event, have a low-carbohydrate, high-fiber snack. Plan ahead by carrying some nuts or healthy snacks as well.
Monitor your blood sugar level: Dr Vishesh Agarwal, Consulting Physician, Diabetologist, Clinical Cardiologist and Critical Care Specialist, Mumbai says, “Amidst the festivities, don’t forget to keep track of your sugar, which you can easily do on the go as there are now CGMs to replace traditional blood glucose Instrument options beyond meter that include finger pricking.” By putting on continuous glucose monitoring devices like the FreeStyle Libre — a simple wearable — you can monitor your levels in real time, even at the venue. Continuous glucose monitoring devices also give you insight on any highs or lows, so you can correct them quickly and manage your diabetes well.
Diabetic friendly food choices: At a wedding, fill half your plate with a salad or non-starchy vegetable, and a quarter with grains and starches (bread is a healthy option!). Opt for baked, roasted, or stir-fried foods instead of anything fried. For dessert, stick to fruit-based or sugar-free options.
Practice moderation: If you want to try some dessert or cake, have a little helping of it. You can also drink alcohol in moderation and stay well hydrated by drinking water regularly.
Keep going: If you eat or drink a little more than planned, some physical activity might do you some good – you can get on the dance floor and shake it!
Even if you eat well during this period, your numbers may change slightly due to travel, exertion and irregular sleeping patterns. However, if you follow your diabetes treatment strategy, you can still have fun while maintaining control of your health. Remember to be happy.