by Kesi Garcia

Created on: December 13, 2007

Living with diabetes is a challenge. It is a daily battle against one's own body. The holiday season is filled with Christmas parties and home-baked goodies. Most of us are used to worrying about our waistlines, but diabetics must carefully limit their sugar intake. If a friend or family member is diabetic, take some extra time this Christmas to think about her dietary needs before fixing a Christmas meal or home-made gift.

When planning a Christmas meal, make a few dishes that are "diabetic friendly." Bookstores and magazine stands often carry magazines with recipes for diabetics. The foods often most troublesome for diabetics are pastas, breads, and desserts. Keep in mind the number of carbohydrates and sugars foods have. These indicate how much blood sugar levels will be affected. Your loved ones will be touched that you took their health into consideration, and others eating will also reap the health benefits.

When contemplating your Christmas list, consider Diabetes Forecast for your diabetic friends. The American Diabetes Association publishes Diabetes Forecast, a lifestyle magazine for people with diabetes. The magazine provides information on new research, weight loss, nutrition, recipes, and coping with the disease. Visit the American Diabetes Association website at diabetes.org for more information.

A diabetic care basket also makes a great Christmas gift. This is a great gift for those who have been recently diagnosed or those who aren't aware of the new products on the market for diabetics. Find a basket or similar container of your choice to fill. Many grocery stores sell shakes and snack bars for diabetics. Pick up a couple in your friend's favorite flavor. Pick up a copy of Diabetes Forecast or a magazine of diabetic recipes. Throw in a pair of warm socks or scented lotion. If you wish to spend a little more money, add a gift card to a restaurant that offers low carb options.

Diabetics need the support of other people to make the lifestyle changes necessary to manage their disease. Your loved one will appreciate the time you took to give them such a thoughtful gift.

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