With Black Friday quickly approaching, millions of Americans are already preparing for the holiday “shop ‘til you drop” marathon. However, the massive crowds and long lines have the potential to create some unique challenges for many of the 26 million Americans living with diabetes.
Marc Wolf, registered pharmacist and CEO of Diabetic Care Services, provided the following five tips to help people ensure that diabetes doesn’t interfere with holiday shopping.
* Dress For Success - Crowded parking lots and long-lines are a given when holiday shopping, but it is important to wear comfortable, supportive closed-toe shoes and special diabetic socks to protect feet. Also, make sure to carry you diabetes testing supplies and medications in a purse or satchel. Securing your bag can help you avoid setting it down at a cash register and, in the confusion or several shopping bags and bustling crowds, accidentally leave it behind.
* Arm Yourself to Battle Lows - Pack several healthy snacks that are proven to quickly battle low blood glucose levels, such as orange juice boxes.
* Make a List…and Check it Twice! – Cut down on the time and energy spent holiday shopping by preparing a list of items before leaving the house. To shave even more time off your trip, comparison shop online to determine which stores have the prices and selections you want.
* Balance is Key - Before embarking on a shopping trip, eat a balanced meal that includes protein and fat. Protein and fat help balance energy and prevent low blood sugar.
* Try to Relax – According to the American Diabetes Association, stress hormones can directly alter blood glucose levels. Incorporate small tasks into your shopping routine that make the process less stressful, such as reading advertisements carefully ahead of time to ensure you understand limitations on special deals. Also, scheduling shopping trips at the beginning of the week and later in the day, when stores are less crowded, can help you avoid many of the stresses of long lines and frustrated shoppers.
To receive free news updates from Diabetes News Hound delivered straight to your Inbox, sign up here.
If you already receive the free Alerts, spread the word by telling a friend to sign up here.
