Living with diabetes is a full-time job and one that may become more challenging during the holidays.

However, in celebration of World Diabetes Day (November 14), Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems) shares five ways you can have fun this festive season while effectively managing type one and two diabetes.

“Communicating your diabetes limitations, being flexible and adjusting your holiday expectations can lead to memorable experiences. A healthy blood sugar level is vital to feeling good, staying energetic and having fun!”

Gems has a diabetic care management programme that enables people with diabetes to better manage their condition.

You can live a better life by improving your control. Good glucose control reduces the risk of severe health problems. The finger prick test measures your glucose level at that moment, while the glucose control test (HbA1c) is the best test to determine your average control over three months, Gems explains.

Manage your diabetes with these five steps:

1. Be carb wise

Find out how many carbs are in the foods you eat most frequently. Understand how foods affect your blood sugar and how they affect your body. This is a critical component to managing blood sugar and will make your life much easier – plus, you won’t miss out on all the fun!

2. Have a routine

You are more likely to keep your blood sugar under control if you stick to your routine. Preparing for a big holiday dinner shouldn’t mean skipping meals. This can lead to low blood sugar and increase your chances of overeating later. Spreading your carb intake throughout the day is essential, as is avoiding eating too many carbs at once. You should consume 30-60g of carbohydrates per main meal and 15-30g per snack to manage blood sugar.

3. Take the test (more often)

When you eat different foods and eat off schedule during the holidays, it is best to test your blood sugar more frequently. Two-hour intervals, before eating or before and after exercise, are great for getting a fair idea of how your body reacts. If you drink alcohol, be sure to have a snack, as too much alcohol without enough carbohydrates can cause low blood sugar. If you have had a few drinks or have been active, check your blood sugar during the night because that’s when low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is common.

4. Extra, extra!

Always take extra supplies of test strips, needles, pump infusion sets, a spare glucometer and plenty of carbohydrate snacks wherever you go in case you experience low blood sugar. If your sugar is low, it’s recommended that you consume 15g of carbohydrates and recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes. Then, if you are not in the normal range, eat another snack with 15g of carbs.

5. Preparation is key

Before attending a meal with family or friends, ask what food will be served so that you can calculate its carb content. Offer to bring a dish to share. That way, there will be some of those blood sugar-friendly, delicious staple foods for you to enjoy. Look at the menu before you eat at a restaurant. Make sure to load up on vegetables, eat lean meat, and eat whole grains and legumes in moderation.

Enjoying the festivities and spending quality time with your loved ones is the most important part of this time of year. We know that things won’t always go according to plan in life, but do your best and don’t be too hard on yourself. Make sure you love, care and nourish yourself unconditionally!