The festival of Diwali is full of sweetness, but this time can prove to be challenging for diabetic patients. The aroma of traditional sweets, peer pressure and irregular eating habits can unbalance the glucose level. But experienced doctors say that with a little caution and planning, even diabetic patients can enjoy Diwali in a safe and healthy manner.

These days, seven important tips to keep blood sugar balanced on Diwali, which all the doctors want to give to their patients, are as follows:

Challenges faced by diabetic patients on Diwali

• Sweets high in sugar: Traditional sweets like laddu, barfi and jalebi contain a lot of sugar and calories, which causes blood glucose to rise rapidly.
• Irregular eating: During festivals, it is difficult to eat food at the scheduled time, due to which the balance of medicine and food can get disturbed.
• Decrease in physical activity: Physical activity usually decreases during holidays, which makes it difficult to control sugar levels.
• Emotional reasons: In times of happiness and pressure, people often overeat.

Maintain a balance between taste and health

Consult your doctor or dietitian before the festival starts. Keep the dosage of medicines and insulin stable and decide the meal schedule accordingly. It is important not to give up sweets, but to control their quantity. Choose small portions instead of eating large amounts of sweets. When making sweets at home, use natural alternatives like stevia, dates or jaggery.

If you have eaten a high-carb dessert, include protein and fiber-rich foods like pulses, cottage cheese, sprouts or nuts in the rest of the meal.

It is important to remain active even during the festival. It is helpful to take a 10–15 minute walk or play with the family after meals. Making rangoli or decorating the house can also be a part of the activity. Drinking enough water keeps blood sugar level under control. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol or consume them in very limited quantities.

Check sugar levels frequently with a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This will let you know which foods are affecting your glucose levels. There is social pressure at festivals, but you can politely say, “I’ll just have a little.” With this, you can maintain relationships while still being in control.

If any member of the family has diabetes, then it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the atmosphere at the festival is supportive. Provide sugar-free snacks for guests like a fruit platter, roasted gram or some dry fruits. In this way, with a little caution, balanced eating and being active, diabetic patients can also enjoy the light and sweetness of Diwali, that too without putting their health at risk.

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