Having a healthy holiday with Type 2 Diabetes

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- According to the American Diabetes Association, managing Type 2 Diabetes during the fall and winter seasons tends to be the most difficult for patients. Pflugerville local Alton Matthews has learned to manage his diagnosis successfully. He continues to do what he loves while enjoying family time during the holiday season.

The holidays often revolve around traditional foods and enjoying meals with family. This can be difficult for anyone trying to manage health conditions like Type 2 Diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), a survey of diabetes type two patients showed that 28% of respondents felt "staying on track with health goals" was at the top of their concerns this holiday season.

Pflugerville local and Pit Master Alton Matthews was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes over 30 years ago. Matthews said he no longer goes into the holiday season in fear, he is aware of what could imbalance his numbers and prioritizes foods he knows will keep his body feeling good.

"We indulge in a lot of things that we probably have been putting off all year. So definitely, it's that time of year when you will have those higher numbers, enjoying those different things, but understand that you know what it's like. You know with anything that you're doing use repetition, if you fall off the wagon, you get back on right? It's no different with this," Matthews said.

The ADA said prepping before a holiday is a good way for patients to have a safe time and enjoy the festivities. These are six tips the ADA shared to help prepare for this holiday season.

Be aware of meal times

Holiday meals are often served around dinnertime. Diabetes type two patients usually follow a strict meal schedule and holiday meals may not always align with that schedule. If you know your holiday meal will be served later or earlier than your meal time, carry a snack with you. This can help prevent a change in blood sugar levels, according to the ADA.

Prioritize the less common food items

Traditional holiday meals include starchy or high-carb foods like potatoes, stuffing, and rolls, which are not great options for managing diabetes. When serving your plate choose foods that are not quite as common as the foods you eat year round. The ADA recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables, filling the next quarter with a favorite protein, and the last quarter with your favorite carbs. This will allow space for a favorite dessert without an imbalance in sugar levels, according to the ADA.

Vegetables

Do not forget about vegetables, they can bring color and nutrients to every meal. If vegetables are not on the menu at a holiday party, offer to bring a dish yourself. Cooking up a broccoli salad, green bean casserole, or leafy greens can be a simple and easy way to help fill you up and avoid overindulging in other carb-filled dishes, according to the ADA.

Appetizers

When a holiday meal is served for dinner time, it could be later than your usual meal time. Many holiday parties include appetizers or a small bite to enjoy during cooking time. If your holiday party appetizers will be fried or high in calories, offer to bring your own to share. Raw veggies with low-calorie spinach dip or low-fat cheese strips are two good healthy options, according to the ADA.

Be active

The ADA said after eating heavy meals it is important to move your body and stay active. Try starting new traditions like a family walk after dinner, outdoor games, or even a dance party.

Monitoring blood glucose levels

The ADA recommends all diabetes type two patients stay on top of their blood glucose levels throughout any holiday celebration. Changes in routines could cause a spike or drop in glucose levels, keeping an eye on those numbers can help make sure you have a happy stress free holiday.

For Matthews, his biggest support is his family. Matthews said his wife and kids keep him on top of what is and is not good for him. Even while he is working behind the pit doing what he loves, he said they keep an eye on what he tastes and take whatever they know will impact his glucose levels.

"Living with diabetes doesn't mean you can't live it just means you have to do it a little differently. She's pretty good with helping me being able to keep that balance, and I can kind of dabble in some things here and there, but keep the numbers in check. We're okay, as long as we can get to that a 1c check," Matthews said.