The holidays are upon us, and ‘tis the season for delicious (and often unhealthy) foods! Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas and Hannukah are soon to follow. This time of year is probably the hardest for diabetics because there are so many sweets around, making it difficult to resist overdoing it. Too much sugar and too many carbohydrates can be extremely detrimental to the health of a diabetic – most seriously, falling into a diabetic coma.

Diabetic comas are a very real, very scary consequence of diabetes. The individual suffering from a diabetic coma will not be easily roused by talking to them or stimulations. Luckily, there are warning signs to look for when person is about to slip into a diabetic coma.  These include being thirsty, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, stomach pain and a fruity odor to their breath. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it is important that you get them to the hospital quickly.

The good news for diabetics is that the holidays don’t have to be a time of avoidance or disappointment. There are a wide variety of sugar-free and healthy treats for diabetics. Check out our “Healthy Recipes” Pinterest board for some great recipes to try out, any time of year!

As always, eat in moderation, but these types of treats will help diabetics avoid high blood sugar levels this holiday season.

If you are diabetic, it is important that you form a close relationship with your podiatrist. There are many complications for diabetics that can occur in their feet. Dr. Mitchell Wachtel prides himself on taking excellent care of his patients with diabetes. Schedule an appointment at one of his three locations in North Andover, Haverhill, Lowell, or call his office today at (978) 794-8406.