Summer is officially HERE!!!!!! If you love those 4ths of July BBQs and Summer Birthday Bashes, it’s time to celebrate with friends and family that you haven’t seen in over a year thanks to Covid-19. As a diabetic parties can be difficult to enjoy without overwhelming anxiety. Figuring out things like what outfit will I wear that won’t show my medical devices too much, how many carbs are in that cake, or how should I bolus for that wine cooler? We will explore all of these issues and much more.
- Picking the perfect party outfit
- Don’t wear open-toed shoes if there will be drinking and dancing
- Someone with heels on could accidentally step on your foot
- Don’t be afraid to wear the cute outfit even if your Pump or CGM shows
- Most won’t notice and if they do its an opportunity to educate
- If outside always wear sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply as directed
- Sunburns will cause high blood sugars so best avoid it at all costs
- Wear the fashionable hat
- It will protect your face and scalp from any burns
- Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace
- In case someone who doesn’t know you finds you passed out
2. Eating and drinking at the party
- Avoid sugary drinks like punch, lemonade, and sweet tea
- Bring a few diet options for the party if water isn’t your thing
- The cheese board is your friend at any party
- Picking low carb options can take the stress out of any party
- Consider eating before the party
- So you know the carb count better
- Keep an eye on your blood sugar if you consume alcohol
- Alcohol tends to bottom out blood sugar (unless it’s a mixed drink with lots of sugar and carbs) since the liver responds to alcohol like a toxin and focuses only on removing it from the bloodstream it won’t process like normal.
- Fix a plate count the carbs and pre-bolus for it
- That way you don’t have to worry about remembering to take it later
- Try to have only one dessert
- If that isn’t good enough just have one bite of each dessert but don’t go over 4-5 bites total
3. Check your blood sugar before during and after the party
- Having food and drinks you aren’t used to
- keeping a close eye on blood sugars and making correction doses
- Drinking alcohol may cause your food not to be absorbed for a few hours
- keeping a close eye on blood sugars realizing your insulin and food may take a while to absorb in your liver after alcohol
4. Take other’s suggestions with a grain of salt
- Aunt Karen’s advice on not eating that cookie is probably based on what she knows about uncle Vernon’s type 2 diabetes
- Take the opportunity to educate her on type 1 or just say “uh-huh” and move on. Sometimes you just don’t even feel like fighting that battle with the ignorant Karens of the world.
- Aunt Karen’s advice on not eating that cookie is probably based on what she knows about uncle Vernon’s type 2 diabetes
5. Have a designated “buddy” at the party
- to help check on you or split a dessert or drink with
- it could be a date or a best friend or family member
- If you don’t know many people there inform the host that you are diabetic so they can keep an eye out for you if anything goes wrong
By: Miranda Montgomery (Type 1 diabetic for 20+ years) Admin for Type 1 Diabetes Support Group on Facebook with 14 K members.