Diabetic Survival Guide For Holiday Food and Festivities

“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.”

- Erma Bombeck, American Humorist.

Let’s face it, the holiday season revolves around food. Turkeys and chickens roasted to golden perfection, mashed potatoes topped with aromatic gravy, creamy macaroni and cheese, zesty cranberry sauce, candies, yams, hams, and pies are the focal point of office holiday parties, shopping expeditions, and family dinners. For most people, it is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. For people with diabetes, it can be a nightmare.

Diabetics are especially prone to severe foot complications. For a deeper look into diabetes related foot problems, you can read our previous blog entry, “Common Foot Problems for Diabetics.” The holiday festivities and its abundant food options present a serious problem for those battling diabetes. Diabetics need to be extra vigilant during the holidays and we at Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. are here to help you celebrate without compromising your health.

Schedule A Pre-Holiday Visit:

Whether it’s been a while since your last visit to the podiatrist or you saw one recently, schedule an appointment before taking part in all the holiday fun. Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. is open 6 days a week with 5 locations for your convenience. Diabetes causes problems in many parts of the body, including feet and ankles. The disease can cause painful blisters or sores that can become infected, ulcers, and numbness from narrowing of nerve endings. Begin your holidays by checking-in with a podiatrist to assess any issues or changes. The doctor can offer treatments for diabetes related ankle and foot issues, like Microvas treatment for peripheral neuropathy and provide some dietary guidelines to help you navigate the holiday season.

Be Selective:

It sounds simple, and it is. Be selective with what you eat during office parties and family dinners. Allow yourself to indulge… selectively. Eat your favorite dish, but in small portion and only during special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Be aware that you may have to sacrifice other foods and treats. Most importantly, check your blood sugar throughout the day. If, however, you still experience any health concerns, contact Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. immediately for an examination.

Foot TLC:

Patients with diabetes should take care of their feet year-round, but this is especially true during the holiday season. The added stress from holiday parties, shopping, and travelling may impact your feet more than any other time of the year. Take care of your feet by keeping up with your foot treatments with your doctor as well as at-home care by massaging with essential oils, cleansers, and lotions. For an approved list of oils, creams, and foot-brushes, call Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J. to speak to one of our podiatrists. Along with checking your blood-sugar levels, regularly examine the bottom of your feet. Excess glucose can cause nerve damage and poor blood flow, which can lead to sever foot issues.

Diabetic patients traveling this holiday season are vulnerable to foot problems like ulcers and infections due to the increased activity. Sitting inside a car or plane for a prolonged period means poor blood circulation and inactivity. Wear compression socks that provide more pressure at the foot and less pressure on the calves to maintain good circulation. The holiday season also means more standing and walking. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. At Ankle & Foot Specialist of N.J., we provide custom orthotics. Our doctors can fit you for orthotics as well as ankle braces to relieve your foot pain whether your standing around talking to family and friends or dancing at a holiday office party.

We said it already, but it is worth repeating—inspect your feet daily. Examine the bottom of your feet for blisters, discoloration, or wounds that refuse to heal. Diabetics may experience numbness in their feet and may not feel blister or wounds on their feet. Untreated blisters and wounds can become infected.

If you’ve been living with diabetes, you’ve hopefully developed a healthy routine with your doctors’ input. Keep up with your established routine. With these helpful tips, you can enjoy the holiday season without aggravating your diabetic conditions. But the holidays can be chaotic, and we are here to help if you experience any diabetes related ankle or foot issues.