Managing Diabetes During Managing Diabetes During the Holiday Seasonthe Holiday Season

By Brandon HaleBy Brandon HaleOperation DiabetesOperation Diabetes

P1 Vice-ChairP1 Vice-Chair

Managing Diabetes can be

a little complicated!

What advice can a pharmacist give to a diabetic, to help them handle this…

…without ending up like THIS?

Advice Pharmacists can give to Diabetics during Counseling

• Set calorie and carbohydrate limits, and eat favorite foods first.– It is OK to indulge, but avoid OVER-indulging.

• They should know what they’re eating!– For unfamiliar foods, ask what’s in it and estimate carb count based on ingredients, or use

a pocket guidebook.– It may seem rude, but family\friends should know that a diabetic has to know this to dose

their insulin correctly• Any dish can be “Revised.”

– Substituting Splenda (or another artificial sweetener) for sugar– Sugar-free or low-carb ingredients can be used without others even knowing– Be aware of others who may not be able to tolerate the artificial sweeteners.

• Wait several minutes between plates to permit fullness.• Avoid injecting more than 15 Units in the same site

– Can alter absorption– It’s better to split up a large injection into multiple smaller injections– Pump users can use advanced features (if possible)

• Square bolus – good for snacking over a long period (ie, popcorn at a movie theater) • Dual-Wave bolus – gives half of the bolus before the meal and distributes the other

half over an extended period of time.• Test blood sugar often!

– Every 2-4 hours after the meal

Desserts are OK with the right

amount of insulin and frequent blood sugar

checks afterward.

The Traveling Diabetic• A diabetic should always pack twice as many supplies as they should need.

– A backup meter and extra batteries are wise to carry as well.– Don’t forget the ketone sticks.

• Keep insulin as cool as possible.– Place back in refrigerator once they reach their destination.

Tips for flying:• Pack everything in carry-on baggage.

– Transportation Security Administration permits 2 bags

• Cooperate with security!• X-rays will not damage insulin, glucometers, or insulin pumps, but a visual (hand) inspection can be requested.• Always bring original packaging with the prescription clearly visible.• Ask to speak to the Complaints Resolution Officer if they feel they’re being

hassled – Report the airport & airline to the TSA after the flight

• If an injection during flight is necessary, remove the plunger and reinsert it into the barrel to balance air pressure

The Most Important Thing to Remember…

A diabetic patient should be allowed to have happy holidays

…And so should you!

Thank you for listening!

Any Questions?

Helpful Websites• Suggestions from the American Diabetes Association

– http://www.diabetes.org/nutrition-and-recipes/holiday-meals/sugar.jsp• Tips for flying from the ADA:

– http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/21/2/86 • Wegman’s common holiday foods

– http://www.wegmans.com/eatWellLiveWell/diabetes/goodChoicesFoods.asp – Lists many of the foods a diabetic may encounter over the holidays with some tips.

• WebMD article– http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/sweet-holiday-news-for-people-with-diabetes– Has several suggestions for maintaining control.

• Holiday Recipes from dLife– http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/food_and_nutrition/holiday_recipes.html?sc_ext

_cid=100104&sc_chid=1009• CalorieKing

– http://www.calorieking.com/– The ultimate free database for looking up nutritional values in foods (including

carbohydrates, calories, and fats) as well as exercise equivalents needed to burn the food off.

• TSA Guidelines for Hidden Disabilities (including Diabetes)– http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm