Monitoring blood sugar levels, carbohydrate intake, and medications are daily tasks for most diabetics. Keeping track of food intake and adhering to drug doses can be challenging to maintain on a day-to-day basis. Fortunately, technology and medicine combine to support diabetic health! Applications or “Apps” are available for download on most electronic devices, helping organize valuable data like meals, blood sugar readings, medication times, and lots more! App technology allows for storing and easy accessibility of health information beneficial in the management of diabetes. WebMD comments on app technology stating, “Applications -- or "apps" -- can help you with nutrition advice, carb counting, tracking blood sugar levels, medication alerts and managing kids with diabetes.” Discover which apps best accommodate your lifestyle and health needs!

In type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes) is an autoimmune condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin, a hormone needed for glucose to enter cells. Insulin administration maintains blood glucose control for people with type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus) insulin is produced yet not assimilated properly, leading to insulin resistance. The American Diabetes Association describes type 2 diabetes as the most common type of diabetes. Adhering to a diet plan and exercising may be sufficient for some individuals, while others require diabetic medications or insulin therapy. Your physician will determine suitable treatment options based on your lifestyle and health needs.

Glycemic Index (GI) is used to determine the influence of carbohydrate-rich foods on blood glucose levels. The Glycemic Research Institute mentions how GI reflect amounts of carbohydrates in edible agents and the metabolic response once digestion takes place. High glycemic foods increase blood glucose, results in greater release of insulin, and stores as fat if not burned. High glycemic foods produce an energy spike followed by energy depletion resulting from a surge of insulin in the blood. More insulin is released as the body attempts to stabilize elevated blood glucose and bring equilibrium. Low glycemic foods provide gradual increases in blood glucose resulting in longer periods of continued energy. This in turn promotes healthy weight, balances blood glucose, and maintains sustainable energy.

Maintaining adequate blood glucose can be challenging for Diabetics, particularly during the holidays with so many delicious treats to choose from. Simply identify foods to avoid and those to enjoy and you're on your way to healthy eating! Get excited this holiday season for a variety of guiltless mouth-watering food choices!

Foods to “Avoid” In the Holidays & Tasty Alternative Treats:

1. Fatty Foods. Fried foods like chips, French fries, and doughnuts are loaded with calories and saturated fats (unhealthy fats). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends limiting fat intake, particularly saturated or trans fats found in fried foods, whole milk, cookies, pies, salad dressings, lard, stick margarine, and nondairy creamers.

Try This Instead: Baked goodies like sweet potato dishes, oven-roasted meats, and lemon-pepper fish are tasty alternatives. Go for the grill! Grilled meats like chicken and turkey breast have lower fat content than fried meats and burgers.