Managing Diabetes During Holidays, Festivals and Travel

   

 

My parents are both diabetic, and they need to adhere to the doctor's advice. They need to follow certain daily routines and stay on track during holidays, festivals and travel too. After all, diabetes management is not something we can take a break from just because we are on holiday or celebrating a festival!

Our doctor always insists on three things every day — Walk, Water and Watch.

The Three Ws

1. Walk

Go for a walk in the morning and evening. Wherever you go on holiday or travel, take time for walking during the day and evening. If adjustments are needed, choose convenient times, but don't miss walking. Walking is a simple daily routine that can help people manage their blood glucose levels and stay active. However, the duration and intensity should suit the person's age, health and physical ability.

2. Water

Have water regularly throughout the day. Carry water bottles and keep them near you so that you can have water regularly. At night too, keep water near your bed. Staying hydrated is important, particularly when travelling or spending time outdoors. Follow the doctor's advice on fluid intake if there are other medical conditions that require restrictions. 

3.Watch

Watch comedy on TV or OTT and be watchful with your diet. Watch shows that make you laugh seriously, till you feel the joy. This will indirectly lower your stress levels. As stress can affect blood glucose levels, so people with diabetes need to manage their stress and find ways to relax.

A good laugh can help us relax and feel better. Holidays and festivals should be happy occasions, and taking time to enjoy a favourite comedy show can be a simple way to unwind. After all, festivals and holidays are meant to bring joy, not stress!

Our doctor says that if you don't follow these three Ws, even medicines won't work. The three Ws are a reminder that managing diabetes involves more than just taking medicines. Then come the medicines, which must be taken as advised by the doctor.

Watch Your Diet During Festivals and Travel

Portion control and protein intake are the ones mainly stressed for my parents. Being pure vegetarians, green leafy vegetables, pulses, sambar and sundal made with soaked legumes were suggested. Mainly, portion control and eating on time are important. Have small, frequent meals if advised, and don't skip breakfast or other meals.

During festivals, have sweets and snacks in limited portions. During travel too, opt for fruits, dry fruits and healthy snacks. As rice is our staple food in South India, portion control is the main thing. Including more vegetables, dal, nuts and legumes makes the meal filling.

Festivals bring with them a variety of sweets, savouries and special meals. It is difficult to avoid all our traditional delicacies, nor should every celebration become a source of worry. Being mindful of portions and following the doctor's dietary advice can help us enjoy festive food more responsibly.

When travelling, it is useful to carry suitable snacks instead of depending entirely on what is available along the way. Keeping meal timings as regular as possible can also help. The idea is not to miss out on the fun but to enjoy food in moderation while taking care of our health.

FreeStyle Libre: Keeping Track While Enjoying Life

Along with the three Ws — Walk, Water and Watch — keeping track of blood glucose levels is important for people with diabetes. During holidays, festivals and travel, our usual routines may change, and we may eat different foods or at different times.

This is where FreeStyle Libre, a continuous glucose monitoring system, can be helpful. It measures glucose in the fluid beneath the skin and provides information about glucose levels and trends. Depending on the device and individual circumstances, it can reduce the need for frequent finger-prick tests, although finger-prick testing may still be necessary in certain situations.

However, is FreeStyle Libre suitable for everyone with diabetes, particularly older adults?

My family's experience

My parents are both diabetic, but they manage their condition with tablets, diet and walking, without insulin. Their doctor has not advised them to use FreeStyle Libre. They continue to follow the doctor's advice and their daily routines. One of our relatives was initially advised to use FreeStyle Libre. However, considering their age and other health conditions, its use was later discontinued after other factors were taken into account.

This made me realise that what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.

Even when a device is approved for use by older adults, that does not mean it is necessary or suitable for every individual. Age, other medical conditions, the type of diabetes treatment, ease of using the device, skin comfort and individual monitoring needs all have to be considered.

For people aged 75 and above, the decision to use FreeStyle Libre should be made in consultation with their treating doctor. The doctor can assess whether continuous glucose monitoring would be beneficial and practical for the individual. We need to exercise care and caution rather than simply adopting new technology because it is available. If the device is prescribed, it should be used according to the doctor's instructions.

Technology can support diabetes management, but it does not replace prescribed medicines, appropriate food choices, physical activity or regular medical follow-ups.

Enjoy Your Holidays, Festivals and Travel

Festivals, holidays and travel are times to enjoy with family and friends. But when parents are diabetic, we need to ensure that their daily routines are followed even during these occasions.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Walk in the morning and evening, adjusting the timings to suit the day's plans and physical ability.
• Drink water regularly, following the doctor's advice.
• Watch comedy or enjoy other relaxing activities to help manage stress.
• Be watchful with food, practise portion control and eat on time.
• Carry fruits, dry fruits and suitable snacks while travelling.
• Take medicines as prescribed and continue recommended glucose monitoring.
• Consult the doctor before making changes to the diabetes management routine or introducing a monitoring device.

The three Ws our doctor insists on — Walk, Water and Watch — are simple reminders to stay mindful of our health. Then come the medicines, as prescribed by the doctor.

Managing diabetes is a daily responsibility, but it need not take away the joy of celebrating festivals, visiting relatives or travelling to new places. With thoughtful planning, appropriate food choices and medical guidance, we can make these occasions enjoyable for everyone in the family. Follow the three Ws, take medicines as advised, practise portion control and eat on time. Let's make our festivals, travels and holidays enjoyable while taking care of our parents' health!

( This article shares personal family experiences and general information. Diabetes management needs vary from person to person. Consult the treating doctor for individual advice on diet, exercise, medicines and glucose monitoring, including the suitability of FreeStyle Libre.)

Disclaimer: This article has been written as part of an awareness initiative by Blogchatter and reflects the author’s personal views. It is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your doctor for advice specific to your individual health needs.