More than 400,000 people in London live with diabetes - and in the run up to Christmas, Diabetes UK is encouraging them to be mindful of their condition. Experts know that following a healthy lifestyle at Christmas can be a struggle, but wants to spread the word that having the condition doesn’t mean missing out on traditional festive foods. Just like everyone else, people with diabetes can enjoy the occasional high fat or high sugar food like mince pies or Christmas pudding as part of a healthy diet.
We want everyone with diabetes to enjoy Christmas and this doesn’t mean denying yourself your favourite festive treats. The key is to plan and be mindful of how a treat may affect your blood glucose levels. Enjoy small amounts of ordinary festive foods and balance this with healthier recipes and snacks.
The other important thing to remember is to stay active, as this will help you to manage blood glucose levels. Take a wintery walk to a local park or landmark. Try ice skating or even head out to the sales!
One or two high blood glucose readings shouldn’t affect long-term diabetes control, but people should aim to avoid persistently high readings.
Diabetes UK has a special section on its website packed with tips, guidance and recipes. There is also handy advice about food at parties, safe guidelines for alcohol consumption and information on how to swap to healthier options of favourite Christmas dishes, nibbles and treats. Find it here www.diabetes.org.uk/enjoying-Christmas
Roz Rosenblatt,
London manager Diabetes UK,
- Send your letters to: letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here