7 Self-Care Strategies for Managing Diabetes

Healthy Eating
Go ahead: Savor small bites of rich holiday favorites. But steer clear of excess calories at festive gatherings by first filling half your plate with nonstarchy veggies, such as green beans, broccoli, and spinach. That way, there will be less room for overly rich picks.

Being Active
Ask everyone who’ll be sitting at your table on Thanksgiving to bring along a pair of comfortable walking shoes so you can all go for a walk after the feast. Reducing Risks
If you drink alcohol, avoid doing so on an empty stomach or when your blood glucose is low. Your risk of going low increases after drinking.

Taking Medication
Take time to notice the expiration date on your insulin pen. Use a permanent marker to note the date the pen is first accessed. Problem-Solving
Know the signs of the flu, including fever, chills, and body aches. The sooner you can begin taking antiviral medications, the better your chances of lessening the symptoms and duration.

Monitoring
When you’re outdoors for an extended period on cold days, keep devices such as insulin pumps and meters close to your body so they stay warm. Meters may not function properly below certain temps, and insulin in pumps can freeze if it gets too cold.

Healthy Coping
Set aside time every day for a stress-reducing activity, whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing, a yoga or tai chi class, or calling the person in your life who always makes you laugh.