Tips to Prevent Diabetic Foot Complications This Holiday Season
The holiday season can take a toll on your diabetes management. And that can add up to higher risks for diabetic foot complications. Of course, we don’t want you to miss out on all the joyful celebrations that come with this time of year. But we do want to keep you—and your feet—in good health! So why not try these healthier holiday treat swaps? They’ll help you enjoy celebrations with the rest of your friends and family without throwing your diabetic meal planning out the window.
Start Off With Smart Appetizers
We all love a delicious chips and salsa (or queso dip!) but that’s a major carb overload if you have diabetes. Why not enjoy the dip, but look for a better carrier than a chip or cracker? If you reach for some celery or baby carrots instead, you can eat almost 3 cups of dippers before your carb count hits the level of one ounce of crackers!
Watch Your Sides
If you sit down to a heavy festive meal, pay attention to all the sides you’re selecting. If you’re choosing a carb-heavy potato dish, try to avoid added fat by choosing lightly roasted spuds instead of the creamy mashed version. An even better choice? A baked sweet potato.
And look for stuffing that steers clear of white bread or sausage. A better choice? Stuffing made with whole wheat or low carb bread. Also consider veggie-based mixes made with onions, mushrooms and plenty of fresh herbs and spices.
Make Better Dessert and Drink Choices
This year at your holiday parties, walk straight past the candy canes and other sugary treats. Instead, reach for a sweet dessert crafted from dark chocolate: it has less carbs than many baked goods. Plus, research suggests it may offer additional health benefits!
If you need a baked dessert like a Christmas Cookies, you can still indulge smartly. Swapping a frosted snack for a shortbread biscuit can cut your carb count nearly in half, leaving you more room for other indulgences. (And less worries about built up blood sugar levels, which can lead to neuropathy over time!)
Soft drinks and certain juices are full of sugar as well as most punches found at holiday parties. Avoid other sugar-heavy beverages and stick with water and unsweetened options to prevent diabetic complications.
Don’t Forget Exercise and Foot Checks
Of course, getting through the holidays is about more than just making better food choices. We encourage you to move more whenever you have the chance, since exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, which will protect your overall foot health. Don’t give up on your daily home foot checks, since that can help you notice signs of budding foot complications.
Wear the Right Shoes
To protect your feet and be comfortable, wear your diabetic shoes and inserts when you go shopping or attend holiday activities that involve walking or standing. When at home, don’t go barefoot. Always wear shoes so that you don’t put your feet at risk for small cuts and scrapes or penetration by items such as splinters or glass shards.
If you notice anything worrying, don’t wait until the holidays are over. Contact us for an appointment so this time of celebration doesn’t lead to a medical emergency.