Living with diabetes during the holidays: Managing stress by UofL Health Louisville KY

Stress can increase or decrease blood glucose control. Holidays and stress, at times, seem to go together. Take time to find what relaxes you. Keeping a journal, listening to music, petting your dog, talking to a friend or having a daily quiet time can all be healthy ways to cope. Choose to make your emotional health a priority—not only will it help control your blood glucose but it will help you make the most out of the season.

The holidays can be a great time of year, they can be fun times that make lasting memories. They can also be jammed packed with things to do, places to be and foods available to eat that can cause havoc to blood glucose. Make a plan to help keep your blood glucose in target so you can make the most out of the season!

Building a toolkit to cope with stress can also help.

This is the fourth post in our “Living with diabetes during the holidays” series. Click here to read the first post—Eating healthy. Click here to read the second post—Be active. Click here to read the third post—Your medications.


If you want to learn more about how to manage diabetes in your day-to-day activities for any time of year, the UofL Physicians Medicine Clinics-Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is here to help. Once you have a referral from your health care practitioner, call 502-588-4600 to schedule an appointment.

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Article by: Beth A. Ackerman, R.D.

Beth Ackerman, R.D., is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator with the UofL Physicians – Diabetes and Obesity Center. Beth is on the team of educators of the ADA-approved diabetes education team at UofL Physicians. She has counseled people with diabetes for more than 25 years. Ackerman serves as the Diabetes Prevention Program Workgroup co-chair for the Kentucky Diabetes Network and volunteers at Camp Hendon, a diabetes camp for children.

All posts by Beth A. Ackerman, R.D.
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