How to approach Thanksgiving this year both as a parent and also as an adult living with T1D.
Feeling grateful….with some turkey day tips!
by IDS Emotional Health Counselor, Anna Sabino
It seems like we’re starting to deck the halls earlier and earlier. Mid-October I saw glimmers of stockings and red and green M&M’s. Here we are mid-November; is your mind racing yet?
I thought long and hard about how I’m going to approach the holidays this year both as a parent and also as an adult living with T1D. How would a parent “do this” and how did mine decades ago do this is how I thought about this post….here we go.
10 Tips on How to Manage Thanksgiving With Type 1 Diabetes
“Whatever the blood sugar is, it will change, give yourself grace and move on. A new blood sugar will always be available to look at. Try and enjoy this day with family, diabetes aside.”
~ T1D Parent.
Different is new and scary and hard for kids and adults. I also like to follow the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time let’s shoot for time in range, pre bolusing and all the “shoulds” that we strive for with T1D day-to-day management, and then give yourself grace for that 20%.
I would definitely recommend telling yourself that Thanksgiving is one of those days that is part of that 20%.
What and when is dinner? Find out ahead of time so you can prep your peeps. Call the host, explain the situation, get a sense of what people are bringing for appetizers, sides etc. This will help you what to expect.
“Today is going to feel different. New foods, on a different plate. We are still going to give our insulin, and this is what is going to be on your plate.”
We love to know what’s coming. For kids, show them a picture of what stuffing looks like, mashed potatoes, or whatever it is you’re having on your special day.
Desserts-offer to bring it! One cookie, one pie? Similar to any birthday party, Halloween etc.
Decide ahead of time what your “internal dessert policy” is. Communicate this with any other adults there (grandparents, other parents, etc) so you’re all on the same page.
Bring your own measuring cup/scoop. Serving spoons are always used to the max on holidays so having your own way to measure what you’re eating, especially if you are trying to carb count and generally follow them like using this tool from Beyond Type 1/JDRF is sooo helpful.
Consider adjusting your settings. For me Thanksgiving=food around ALLTHETIME. Cheese and crackers, breads, veggies. Seems like we are always eating. Chat with your endo team, or consider putting your pump into a temporary basal mode, or increase your long-acting insulin to account for the “grazing.”
Walk it out! If you don’t already go for a walk after you eat, or even before. Even just 15 minutes of exercise can help with blood sugars.
Give 15 wait 15. Repeat! Today is one of those days where you’ll be likely giving many either boluses or corrections, that’s ok! IF you know you’re going to eat at least 15 grams, give the insulin 15 mins before, then bolus again, especially if you are grazing.
If you need more support, here for you always.
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Email anna@integrateddiabetes.com
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