The festive season is a time of year when many people indulge in their favourite meals such as ham, pork, curried goat, fish, among others.

However, the festive season can become very stressful for individuals who are trying to maintain a healthy or specific diet such as those persons living with diabetes.

Diabetes is classified as a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or when the body cannot use the insulin it produces.

Nutrition plays an important role in helping to control the body’s blood sugar level while reducing the risks of other diseases.

Our Today has researched some ways persons with diabetes can monitor their diet this Christmas while still having fun in the process.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

Everyone should be consuming more fruits and vegetables, not just persons living with diabetes. Fruits and vegetables supply the body with essential vitamins and minerals that help to ward off certain illnesses.

Persons with diabetes are encouraged to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables this festive season to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancers.

Watch your portion size

The Christmas season can be fun for individuals with diabetes who monitor their portion size. Keeping an eye on how much you eat is very important for persons living with diabetes this festive season.

This can be achieved by reading food labels, avoiding starchy foods, consuming less sugary treats, and saying no to overindulging.

It is also important to stick to the meal plan outlined by your healthcare provider during this period.

Do not stay hungry for too long

Whether it is during the festive season or throughout the year, health officials do not recommend that persons with diabetes remain hungry for too long as this can result in dangerously low or high blood sugar levels.

Drink plenty of water

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), drinking water has several health benefits such as assisting in maintaining normal body temperature and blood pressure, flushing out toxins, regulating gut health, and cushioning our joints.

It is recommended that men drink 15 cups of water per day and women 11 cups.

Test your blood sugar levels regularly

Managing your blood pressure during the holiday season can be stressful for many individuals due to changes in their routine and increased stress.

The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that monitoring your blood-sugar level allows individuals to identify what makes it go up or down, such as eating different foods, taking medicine, or being physically active.