Celebrating Safely During National Diabetes Awareness Month
The holidays are filled with joy, family, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. But for those living with diabetes, the season can also bring challenges when it comes to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. With a little planning and some mindful choices, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your health.
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we’re here to help you find that balance — so you can focus on what really matters this time of year: connection, gratitude, and joy.
Stick to Your Medication Routine
The excitement of the holidays can easily disrupt daily habits, especially your medication schedule.
Here are some ways to stay consistent:
Plan ahead: Set alarms or use a medication organizer to help you remember doses, even when you’re away from home.
Keep medications accessible: If you’re traveling, pack your insulin, testing supplies, and medications in a temperature-safe travel case. Always keep them with you, not in checked luggage.
Talk to your pharmacist: We can coordinate early refills, provide convenient multi-dose packaging, and answer questions about timing or adjustments during holiday travel.
Enjoy Food Without the Guilt
You don’t have to skip your favorite foods — just find ways to balance your plate.
Start smart: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables like green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or salad.
Savor slowly: Eating slowly helps you recognize when you’re full and keeps blood sugar more stable.
Don’t skip meals: Skipping earlier meals to “save room” for dinner can lead to blood sugar spikes later on.
Bring your own dish: A diabetes-friendly recipe guarantees you’ll have something delicious and safe to enjoy.
Try This Simple Diabetes-Friendly Treat
Cinnamon Apple Crisp Cups
Serves 6 | Ready in 25 minutes
Ingredients:
3 medium apples, peeled and diced
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil)
1 tbsp brown sugar or sugar substitute (like stevia or monk fruit)
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Toss apples with half the cinnamon, vanilla, and half the sugar substitute. Divide into six small ramekins or muffin cups.
Mix oats, nuts, melted butter, remaining cinnamon, and sweetener in a bowl. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are soft.
✨ Tip: Serve warm with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sugar-free whipped cream for extra flavor without the added sugar.
This cozy treat brings all the comfort of a traditional dessert — with less sugar and more fiber to help keep your blood sugar in check.
Stay Hydrated and Keep Moving
It’s easy to forget about water when there’s hot cocoa and cider everywhere — but staying hydrated is essential for maintaining stable glucose levels. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and try alternating a glass of water with each holiday beverage.
After big meals, a short walk can make a big difference. Even 10–15 minutes of light movement helps lower blood sugar and improves digestion. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to unwind with family or friends — perhaps a stroll to see neighborhood lights or a walk after Thanksgiving dinner.
Check In with Yourself
With so many changes to your usual routine — different foods, sleep patterns, and travel — it’s completely normal for blood sugar levels to fluctuate more than usual. Consider monitoring more often during the holidays and jotting down any trends you notice.
If your readings are consistently higher or lower than normal, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Sometimes small adjustments — like shifting meal timing or portion sizes — can make a big difference.
As we celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month and the season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank our patients, caregivers, and partners across Idaho and beyond.
Your trust means everything to us. Every refill, every question, and every visit allows us to do what we love most — helping people live well with compassion and care.
As we head into the season of gratitude,
we hope your days are full of warmth, laughter, and good health. Taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give to the people you love.
From all of us at Mountain Care Pharmacy —
Wishing you a happy and healthy season!
