Nov 11
14
What About Thanksgiving Day Desserts?
Many people with Type 2 diabetes are worried about the dessert table at holidays. Will they be tempted too much? Will they overeat and cause problems to themselves?
Some diabetics are willing to take risks and think it’s important to act like everyone else.
But I would ask you to consider the consequences. First of all, the damage from too much blood sugar is thought to be irreversible. If the sugar is deposited in the tissues of the eye, the proteins become cross-linked and the development of cataracts is sped up.
If the sugar is deposited in the skin, you end up looking older than you really are. And who wants to undergo cosmetic surgery anyway?
If the sugar is deposited in the nerves, peripheral neuropathy results or worsens your present condition.
It’s just not worth it. It’s self-sabotage and for what purpose?
So here’s what you can do instead:
Eat just a few of those carbs but don’t exceed 40 grams carbs in any 2-hour period of time at Thanksgiving. So get to the party two hours before the big meal and eat some snacks – but no more than 30 grams worth.
This means you may have to ask the host what will be served so you can look up the carb content ahead of time. Then you’ll know how much you can snack on before the meal.
Next, keep your carbs during the meal at 30 grams. This may mean only a spoonful of stuffing and a spoonful of mashed potatoes and do have a salad with vinaigrette dressing to lower the blood sugar level. Don’t forget your cactus jelly to lower your blood sugar level as well.
Finally after the meal announce that you challenge anyone for desserts. More on that in my next article.
