Festivals in India are a time of joy, family gatherings, and delicious food. From homemade sweets to special festive meals, these celebrations are full of tempting treats. For people living with diabetes, this can be a tricky time. High-sugar foods, irregular meal timings, and changes in daily routine can easily affect blood sugar control. The good news is that with a little planning and awareness, you can enjoy the celebrations without putting your health at risk.
Before the festival begins, it’s a good idea to meet your doctor or diabetologist for a quick review. Checking your recent HbA1c, blood sugar readings, and medicines will help you and your doctor decide if any adjustments are needed. If your sugar levels are already running high or low, small changes to your medicines or insulin may be suggested to suit the festive period.
It’s also important to set realistic goals. During festivals, the aim should be to avoid extreme highs and lows rather than expecting perfect readings at all times.
During festivals, food is at the heart of the celebrations, but making small adjustments can help you enjoy it without risking your health. Decide beforehand how many sweets you will allow yourself each day, and try not to eat multiple sweets at once. Cutting large sweets into halves or quarters and sharing them with friends or family can let you enjoy the taste without overloading on sugar.
If you plan to have a sweet, reduce other carbohydrate-rich foods such as rice, roti, or bread in the same meal. Avoid having sweets late at night when your activity level is low.
For insulin users, the festive season may require small additional doses of rapid-acting insulin for high-carb meals — but only under your doctor’s advice. For those on oral medicines, skipping or delaying meals can cause low sugar, so keep glucose tablets or a quick snack handy. Stay well hydrated, especially during outdoor celebrations. If you feel unwell, have nausea, vomiting, or very high sugar levels, check for ketones and get medical help immediately.
Testing your sugar before meals and two hours after eating will help you see how festival foods affect your levels. If you use a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), set slightly tighter alerts to catch highs and lows quickly. Keeping a record of your readings can help guide your choices for future celebrations.
A 10–15 minute walk after having a sweet or heavy meal can help control sugar spikes. Festival chores, shopping, or dancing during celebrations can count as physical activity, but avoid overexertion if your sugar levels are high.
Low sugar (hypoglycaemia) symptoms include sweating, shaking, a fast heartbeat, and confusion. Always carry your glucose tablets or a small glass (120–150 ml) of fruit juice or 4–6 teaspoons of sugar
High sugar (hyperglycaemia) symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision. If you notice these signs, check your sugar immediately and seek medical help if levels remain high.
Festivals are about togetherness, and involving loved ones in your health journey can make it easier to manage your diabetes. Families can help by offering sweets in smaller plates, clearly labelling low-sugar or sugar-free options, providing healthy alternatives like fruit bowls, and encouraging group walks after meals.
A simple way to remember sugar control during festivals:
S — Small Portions
W — With Meals
E — Exchange / Reduce Other Carbs
E — Exercise After
T — Test & Track
Festivals are meant to be joyful, not stressful. By planning your meals, making smart choices, adjusting medicines wisely, staying active, and keeping an eye on your sugar levels, you can enjoy the celebrations without compromising your health. Remember — taste the season, not the sugar spikes.
Dr Rameez Raja B Consultant Endocrinologist Kauvery Hospital Chennai, Radial Road
1. Can people with diabetes eat sweets during festivals?
Yes, people with diabetes can enjoy sweets occasionally during festivals, but only in small portions. It is best to have sweets with meals, not on an empty stomach, and to limit them to one small serving at a time.
2. What are the best festive sweet options for people with diabetes?
Healthier festive choices include low-sugar kheer made with low-fat milk, baked sweets, milk-based barfi with reduced sugar, small portions of date or dry fruit laddus, and fresh fruit salads without added sugar.
3. Which festive foods should diabetics avoid or limit?
Diabetics should limit deep-fried syrup-soaked sweets like jalebi and gulab jamun, desserts made with condensed milk, and packaged sweets high in sugar and trans fats, as these can cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
4. Should diabetes medicines or insulin be adjusted during festivals?
Sometimes, adjustments may be needed due to changes in eating patterns. Any change in insulin or medication should only be done under a doctor’s guidance. Never increase or skip doses on your own.
5. How often should blood sugar be checked during festivals?
It is advisable to check blood sugar before meals and about two hours after eating, especially on days with festive meals or sweets. More frequent monitoring helps detect sugar spikes early.
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