Keeping Well During the Festive Season

The festive season brings joy, family gatherings, and Christmas parties. For people managing Type 1 diabetes, however, it also comes with specific challenges. Here are some essential tips to stay healthy and enjoy the season.

Follow Sick Day Rules

Winter brings cold and flu season, which can make diabetes more difficult to manage. Preparing a sick day plan helps avoid complications if illness strikes:

• Monitor blood glucose more frequently: Being unwell can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate.
• Stay hydrated: Illness can lead to dehydration, so drink water or sugar-free electrolyte drinks.
• Adjust insulin as needed: Illness may require higher insulin doses due to stress hormones. Consult your healthcare provider on how to adjust doses safely.
• Have a sick day kit: Include quick-acting glucose (like juice or glucose tablets), ketone test strips, and emergency contact numbers.

See our sick day flowcharts for people on multiple daily injections, insulin pump therapy or hybrid closed loop for further guidance.

Stock Up on Medication and Diabetes Equipment

Many pharmacies and suppliers close over the holidays, so planning ahead ensures you're covered:

• Refill prescriptions: Make sure you have enough insulin, test strips, and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) sensors.
• Carry extra supplies: If travelling, pack more than you expect to use in case of delays or lost items.
• Prepare backup plans: If using an insulin pump, make sure you have spare cannulas, extra batteries and pen injectors as a backup.

Drinking Alcohol During the Festive Season

Celebrations often include alcohol, which can significantly impact blood glucose levels.

• Drink responsibly: Alcohol can lower blood sugar, so avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Aim to have a balanced meal before you drink.
• Choose low-sugar drinks: Avoid sugary mixers. Instead, try drinks like dry wine, light beer, or spirits with a no-sugar mixer.
• Monitor blood glucose: Alcohol can mask symptoms of hypoglycaemia. Check levels more frequently and before bedtime.
• Carry hypoglycaemia treatment with you: you should always have a supply of your “go to” hypo treatment to hand. It can be difficult to find the right things to eat or drink for a hypo if you are not at home.
• Tell a friend: If you're at a party, make sure someone knows about your diabetes and can recognise hypoglycaemia symptoms.

Stay Active

Physical activity is a great way to maintain stable blood glucose levels, but the holidays often disrupt routines. Here’s how to stay active:

• Make time for exercise: Incorporate short walks after meals or plan some fun family activities such as ice skating or see what activities are on in your local area.
• Adapt to holiday schedules: Even if you can’t hit the gym, consider at-home workouts or winter sports.
• Watch for post-activity lows: Exercise can lower blood glucose, so keep an eye on levels after activity and adjust snacks or insulin if needed.

Manage Stress to Support Blood Glucose Control

The holidays can be stressful, from social gatherings to travel, which may impact blood glucose due to stress hormones.

• Plan ahead: Schedule downtime and set realistic expectations for social events.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or short walks to lower stress.
• Sleep well: Lack of sleep can increase blood glucose and make managing stress harder.

In Summary

With a little preparation, you can enjoy the festive season without compromising your health. Prioritise self-care, plan your activities, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or your healthcare team. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas when it comes!