Healthy Summer Habits Milwaukee WI

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(NC)—For most people, summer means enjoying a good meal with family and friends. Here are a few tips to help people with diabetes have a happy, healthy summer.

• Take a few minutes each week to plan your menus

Avoid snacking or picking up convenience foods on the run. Plan groceries and meals ahead of time and shop with a grocery list.

• Incorporate flexibility into your diabetes management plan

The change in routine during summer months can mean irregular mealtimes. If you require a mealtime insulin to help control after-meal blood sugar spikes, ask your healthcare professional about rapid-acting insulins which offer dosing flexibility – i.e, that can be taken either 15 minutes before or 20 minutes after starting a meal.

• Drink water if you're thirsty

Stay away from soft drinks or fruit juices to quench your thirst, as they increase blood sugar levels.

• Choose seasonal produce and pick the brightest colours that you can

Stop by the local farmers' market at the cottage, or put together a colourful salad to serve at your next barbeque.

• Have a healthy barbeque

Select meats that are “lean” or “extra-lean,” add flavourful grilled veggies like zucchini, peppers and onions to the menu and serve burgers with whole grain buns.

• Drink smart

For many, summer is all about backyard barbeques and sitting on patios, which often means indulging in a couple of drinks. While it is okay for some people with diabetes to drink alcohol in moderation (two drinks for men and one drink for women), it is important to know how to prevent and treat low blood glucose, which can occur up to 24 hours after drinking. If you're not sure whether it's safe to drink, speak with your physician or diabetes educator.

- News Canada