Ways to manage diabetes during Diwali

Diwali is incomplete without delicious sweets. While they are not healthy for anyone, they are especially harmful for diabetics. Moreover, consuming too many sweets can lead to several health conditions, for those suffering from irregular blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. It is imperative for diabetes patient to be careful about their diets during the festive season to avoid disastrous results.
According to Avni Kaul, nutritionist, wellness coach and certified diabetic educator, “The extent to which diabetes patients can indulge in sweets during Diwali depends on the individual’s condition. Here are some diet tips for diabetics for Diwali.”

Dr Rajesh Jain, Diabetologist Diabetes Asia shares, “There are certain factors which affect the blood sugar levels during festival season. People tend to eat large serving size of food including sweets, savory, fried and fatty foods. Few people may also end up indulging in alcoholic parties. People may be stressful especially females if they are hosting or arranging party at home and involved in cooking and other preparation. Eating food at irregular timings. Fasting which leads to hypoglycemia and weakness. Feasting may lead to high sugar levels. And last but not the least, no physical activity.”
It is mandatory for diabetics to monitor and routinely check the blood sugar levels. This is especially because you are eating food you normally wouldn’t. Regular monitoring will tell you how well you are responding.

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A good way to avoid binging is opting for nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, but refrain from peanuts for mid-meal snacking. Also, try to stay away from high-calorie foods like deep-fried samosas. Drink plenty of water during the festive time, not only to cleanse your gut but also to keep you full and keep you away from gorging on unhealthy food. You can go for lime water, coconut water, and buttermilk if you are not fond of plain water and reduce drinking tea, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.

A diabetic always needs to be aware of the number of carbohydrates you are putting in your body. Restrict high calories foods or simple sugars like rice, sugar and fats. Consume high fiber vegetables and salads. Good portion of protein like lentils and pulses and small portion of healthy fats.

Dr Rajesh Jain recommends to concentrate on fiber rich food like whole Wheat, Channa – Kichidi, Pulao, Pongal, Millets like – Sama Chawal (Banyad millet) rice, Kichidi, channa and Amaranth flour – For Chapathi, Poori, Buckwheat flour – poori, Dosa, Kichidi, Rajgira – poori, Paratha, Makhana – (Fox nuts) – Kheer, Sighare ke atta – roti, Chapathi, samosa, poori.

If you are preparing sweets at home, prepare with skimmed milk instead of full fatted milk. Use jaggery instead of sugar. Instead of deep fried foods, opt for backed, grilled ones.

Include plenty of water, soups, lassie and butter milk which are safe for diabetics .

Last but not the least, regular consumption of your medicines and exercising will reduce stress levels and keep you safe.