Holiday Tips and Tricks

•Help your child make heathier choice and determine reasonable portion sizes, especially for treats.
• Try to anticipate the kinds of foods your child will encounter. If you are going out to a restaurant, make sure you check out the menu ahead of time.
• If you are concerned about the food options, have your child eat a snack or small meal prior to your holiday party.
• Know your child’s numbers and check BG levels often.
• Bring a dish or two that your t1d child loves and you can share with others.
• Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water, especially if their blood glucose numbers are running above target that day.
• Make sure you pack a bag with all your extra supplies. I know this tip seems obvious but with holidays comes stress and a lot going on and it can be easy to forget. Make sure you have packed your child’s insulin, meter, and any other extra supplies you may need.
• Make new traditions that do not solely revolve around food. Some fun Christmas traditions you can try are movie nights with your favorite Christmas flicks, decorating a wreath together, or going outside and building a snowman.
• Last and most importantly, enjoy your time with friends and family! Do not let your child’s type 1 diabetes over shadow the holidays and all the fun the holidays bring. Be understanding when your child’s BG numbers are not exactly where you want them to be. With some preparation, you can come up with great strategies that work for your family during the holidays.