As Easter approaches, many people are looking forward to indulging in a few sweet treats. However, for those who with diabetes, this holiday can be a challenging time to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a medical condition that adversely affects how your body processes blood sugar, or glucose. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into your cells. However, for people with type2 diabetes, their bodies become increasingly resistant to the insulin. There’s plenty of insulin but the body increasingly ignores the signal. Eventually the body simply can’t produce ever more insulin and because it doesn’t work effectively this leads to high blood sugar levels. It also results in chronic inflammation, damaged proteins, raised blood pressure and increased risks of heart disease, cancer, and dementia. That’s why is such a dangerous disease
During Easter, people with diabetes face numerous temptations, including chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs. However, indulging in these foods can cause blood sugar levels to spike, leading to a range of health problems. Therefore, it is essential to plan your meals, snacks carefully and make healthy choices.
Here are some tips for managing diabetes during Easter:
Plan your meals and snacks:
Before attending Easter events or gatherings, plan your meals and snacks. This will help you avoid overeating and make healthier choices. Fill your plate with non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and limit your intake of high-carb, high-sugar foods.
Watch your portion sizes:
It’s okay to indulge in small portions of your favourite Easter treats but be mindful of your portion sizes. Consider splitting a dessert with a friend or family member or choose a smaller size of your favourite treat. However, you need to be aware that for some people with type 2 diabetes even a small, sweet treat can lead to a huge *(unhealthy) sugar spike
Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water is crucial for managing diabetes. When you’re dehydrated, your blood sugar levels can rise, making it harder to control your diabetes. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit your intake of sugary drinks.
Stay active:
Staying active is essential for managing diabetes. Engage in physical activity, such as taking a walk, playing outdoor games with family and friends, or dancing. Physical activity can help lower your blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Choose dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate (ideally 70%+) contains less sugar and a healthier option. But can taste a bit more bitter than milk chocolate.
Have real eggs instead of Cadburys for breakfast:
Eggs contain numerous micronutrients, such as lutein and choline. Lutein protects you against disease, and choline is thought to improve brain health. Egg yolks contain biotin, which is important for healthy hair, skin, and nails, as well as insulin production. Scrambled? Poached? Hard boiled? However you like your eggs, try to eat plenty of these versatile wonders each week and take advantage of their protein, healthy fat and the absence of carbohydrate that they contain.
Check out the DietDoctor website for healthy recipes as well as our Pinterest for all recipes such as Keto Cookies and Keto Butter Burgers!
In conclusion, Easter can be a tough time for people with diabetes, but it’s possible to thoroughly enjoy the holiday while managing your diabetes well. By planning your meals and snacks, watching your portion sizes, staying hydrated and staying active, you can stay healthy and enjoy all the Easter festivities.
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