Top Ten Turkey Day Tips with T1D in Mind…
Geez, 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 and ms. 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.
“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.
Anything out of routine is going to be hard. Plaster this all over your home. Kids thrive on routine, heck adults do too! Our bodies and minds tell us this. Set yourself up with the expectation that today (and any holiday day etc) is out of routine and going to feel different. Different is new and scary and hard for kids. 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 explain to your kiddos 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.” Kids love to know what's coming. 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. I always offer to bring the dessert or hard to bolus for food so I get a sense of what the key ingredients are.
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.” I am planning to put my pump out of automode in my Omnipod 5 knowing the likelihood of my blood sugar going low is low.
Remember food is fuel! It is hard to think about that, and sooo much sugar and processed food can impact our kiddos moods. There are a lot of yummy treats this time of year so keeping that in mind is helpful for blood sugars, preventing illness, and sleep.
Walk it out! If you don’t already-go for a walk after you eat, or even before. Even just 15 mins of exercise can help with blood sugars. 8
Give 15 wait 15. Repeat! Today is one of those days where youll 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; AND if you have the ability to remote bolus through the Tandem or Omnipod systems. Even getting some insulin into the system is helpful before you head into a stressful day.
You don’t have to go to every party! It is ok to say no, for your mental health as a parent, and for the kiddo. Think about what you are saying “yes to” instead. Potentially more sleep, more stable blood sugars?
Take turns with another caregiver “being in charge” of diabetes and monitoring blood sugars. Enjoy the time with family. I’m thankful for the opportunity for you all to have you all as a part of my diabetes family. :)
10. If you need more support, here for you always. Your first chat with me is ALWAYS FREE.
