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9 tips for managing diabetes during Mardi Gras

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

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9 tips for managing diabetes during Mardi Gras

Rebecca Snyder, tcompton@stph.org

(Stock photo)

When shifting your lifestyle after a diabetes diagnosis, always being prepared is key. Having a plan helps prevent situations in which the only foods around will cause a major spike in your blood sugar. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead this Mardi Gras season to maximize having fun while still keeping your blood sugars under control. 

Here are nine tips to get you ready for Mardi Gras!

  • Pack smart. Before leaving for the parade route, ensure you have everything you may need to manage your diabetes. Check that you have all of your supplies, including a way to treat potential low blood sugar, your meter and test strips, any medications you will need throughout the day, etc.
  • Snack smart. Bring balanced snack options for when you get hungry throughout the day. A balanced snack will include a carbohydrate choice such as a starch, fruit or milk option paired with protein and/or a source of fiber such as non-starchy vegetables  or a healthy fat to slow down the absorption of the sugars. (Example: apples with peanut butter, a protein-packed yogurt or nuts.)
  • Be cool. Save room for a lunch in your cooler. Try to keep the packed lunch as close to a balanced plate as possible, meaning a consistent amount of carbohydrates paired with fiber, protein and fat. (Example: a sandwich with turkey, cheese, lettuce and tomato; or a wrap with hummus, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, chicken and spinach.)
  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Remember to bring and drink lots of pure water to keep yourself properly hydrated throughout the day, especially if you are drinking alcohol.
  • Easy does it. If you choose to drink alcohol, pace yourself. Alcoholic drinks can alter your blood sugar, so when drinking, it’s important to be careful and check your blood sugars often.
  • Mix it up. When drinking, try to choose options that will cause less of a blood sugar spike. Try sugar-free options as mixers, such as sugar-free soda, flavored water mixes or diffused water.
  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Pair drinks containing carbohydrates/sugar with fiber and protein. We don’t recommend drinking sugar-filled beverages such as daiquiris or Hurricanes, but if you choose to celebrate the season with one of these, you can slow down the absorption of those sugars with fiber and protein. (Example: snack on nuts, rotisserie chicken, deviled eggs or a hamburger patty.)
  • Set alarms. Try to keep your schedule as close to normal as possible so you can match up with your insulin or other medication regimens. If you normally eat lunch at noon, consider setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to eat at your regular time. That way you can enjoy the parades without constantly checking the time.
  • Don’t overdo it. You can still enjoy some of your favorite foods during Mardi Gras, but it is important to watch your portion sizes to safely balance your carbohydrate intake.

Rebecca Snyder is a dietetic intern with the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. For questions on how to manage your diabetes, contact St. Tammany Health System’s Diabetes Education Department at (985) 871-5983. You can also learn more at StTammany.health/DiabetesED. 

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