What to Do About Holiday Drinks and Toasts If You're Prediabetic or Diabetic
The holidays are a time for fun and family and many seniors will celebrate the holidays with family and friends this year. The festivities may feature a variety of delicious food and beverages. So seniors who are prediabetic or have diabetes might wonder what's safe for them to consume. With some planning, seniors can still enjoy all their favorite holiday traditions, minus the hangover. Diabetic and prediabetic seniors should aim to keep their blood sugar levels under control. Here are some suggestions for handling holiday drinks and toasts without worrying about blood sugar levels.
Understanding Prediabetes and Diabetes
Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than usual but not high enough to be diabetes. Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are high enough to cause damage to the body.
Seniors can manage prediabetes and diabetes with lifestyle changes and medication. Yet, they need to be aware of the risks associated with these conditions.
- Seniors should always check with their doctor before changing their diet or medication regimen.
- When choosing a drink, seniors should choose one low in sugar, such as club soda or unsweetened iced tea. Seniors can also choose a glass of red wine instead of a sugary cocktail.
- Seniors should avoid drinking too much alcohol. It can lower blood sugar levels and interfere with diabetes medications.
What are the Dangers of Alcohol for People with Diabetes?
There are a few potential risks of alcohol for diabetic seniors.
- Alcohol consumption increases insulin release, resulting in low blood sugar. It is risky because it can cause unconsciousness or seizures. Eating a protein and carbohydrate snack helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Alcohol can interfere with diabetes medications. It can therefore make blood sugar control difficult. Consult with your doctor about how much alcohol you can safely consume.
- Alcohol dehydrates the body, which can be dangerous for seniors with diabetes because it can cause kidney problems.
Seniors with diabetes should avoid alcohol or drink in moderation. They should also avoid drinking on an empty stomach since it can intensify the effects of alcohol. To be safe, seniors should always check their blood sugar levels before bed and in the morning.
Holiday Parties and Gatherings
Holiday parties and gatherings are a time to enjoy food and drink with family and friends. Seniors with well-controlled blood sugar levels may be able to enjoy holiday drinks and toasts. If seniors choose to drink alcohol, they should select wine or light beer instead of sugary cocktails. They should:
- Stick to drinks low in sugar, such as unsweetened coffee or tea, sparkling water, or diet soda
- Limit themselves to one or two sweet drinks and pair them with a protein-rich snack
- Skip the alcohol altogether or stick to lower-sugar options like red wine or light beer
It is best to track blood sugar levels and check with their doctor to see if there are any specific guidelines they should follow.
Get Professional Assistance for Senior Care
The holidays are a time for fun and family, don't let diabetes ruin them. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how many holiday drinks your elderly loved ones can consume and what types of alcohol are best for them.
Senior Helpers of South Minneapolis can provide a trained companion for seniors with diabetes or prediabetes. We are an in-home care company serving Hennepin County, Minnetonka, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. We also offer compassionate and reliable in-home senior care. To learn more about the benefits of professional care for seniors with diabetes or prediabetes, contact us today and speak with our senior care experts.