Diabetes And Festive Season: Need for Continuous Glucose Monitoring

India is a land of festivities where people celebrate different festivals every other month. It is a

India is a land of festivities where people celebrate different festivals every other month. It is also a time for sweets and delicacies – a time when healthy lifestyle choices are overlooked. From family get-togethers at home to dining out in restaurants, people tend to overindulge and overlook their calorie count or sugar intake. However, people with diabetes need to take extra care during the festive season.

Controlling glucose levels, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise, and regular consultations are key to managing diabetes effectively.

Talking of monitoring glucose levels, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices can be of great assistance. These wearable devices such as FreeStyle Libre help monitor real-time glucose levels, empowering you with the freedom to enjoy those delicacies while keeping a track of your diabetes. FreeStyle Libre – a sensor-based device which is applied to the back of the upper arm – lets you monitor glucose levels conveniently, without drawing blood. You can simply strap it to your arm and stay in control, especially during the festive season when the risk of elevated glucose levels may run high.

Monitoring remains a cornerstone of diabetes management and can help you avoid sudden glucose highs or lows. It is important that one manages their glucose levels, for uncontrolled diabetes, if left unchecked, can take a toll on nearly every organ including heart, eyes, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and more adding to the hospitalization costs. As per studies, it is seen that CGM devices help monitor glucose levels and reduces hospitalization due to acute diabetes events by 49% in people with Type 1 Diabetes and 48% in people with Type 2 Diabetes, thus presenting as a simple and cost-effective tool for people with diabetes 1.

“In India, over 74 million people 2 are living with diabetes, the majority of which is Type 2. Uncontrolled diabetes can heighten the risk of developing severe diseases or complications. They can damage their kidneys or heart, and even risk losing vision due to diabetic retinopathy (DR). Regularly monitoring glucose levels helps you catch spikes or trends that suggest your diabetes may be getting out of control. This also helps you to take timely measures”, says Dr. Prashanth Subramanian, Head of Medical Affairs, Emerging Asia & India, for Abbott’s diabetes care.

Managing diabetes during the festive season isn’t difficult. Be mindful of your choices and have a great time. Here are some ways to stay on course:

Plan what you should eat when you go out. Avoid sauces, dips and spreads that have excess salt and sugar. Whether in a restaurant or a party, choose low-calorie vegetables and lean proteins over fries. If it’s a family get-together, request the host to have healthy options for you, if possible.