The holiday season brings warmth, laughter, food, and time with people you love. But if you’re living with diabetes, you may also feel the extra pressure of managing blood sugars, unexpected meals or routines, and those conversations with family or friends who don’t always “get it.”
This blog takes you through a fresh roadmap: how to set realistic priorities, pull in smart habits from previous years, use your tech and routine to support you, and how to talk with your loved ones so you can enjoy the moments without sacrificing your peace of mind.
1. Set Your Priorities (Without Perfection)
Widen Your Lens
The holidays are a high-variable environment. Shifting routines, your favorite holiday sweets, and unpredictable schedules can complicate your blood sugar management.
Keeping your usual targets may lead to stress. Instead, widen your lens: allow a broader target range, adjust alarm thresholds (where safe), and give yourself permission to relax some rules.
Choose Your “Minimum Viable Commitments”
Rather than loading up on everything you usually do, pick one or two small habits you’ll commit to, like drinking water during a party, walking after a meal, or prebolusing. These small acts keep momentum without consuming your holiday.
Pick One Focus Area
When you check your CGM or device reports after the holidays, look for one pattern to improve next time (e.g., post-meal spikes or overnight lows) rather than trying to fix everything at once. This helps you progress without overwhelm or self-criticism.
2. Smart Habits for Mealtime & Routine
No Skipping
Resist the urge to skip meals early so you can “save carbs” for later. That often backfires. Your body stays hungry, decision-making gets harder, and your blood sugars may feel more unpredictable.
Food Pairing & Stabilizers
When you dive into holiday favorites, use protein + fiber + healthy fats along with carbs to help smooth blood glucose variability.
Backup Gear Is Non-Negotiable
Events, travel, food buffets—whatever your plan, have a backup kit. Spare patches, site/infusion sets, low snacks, water, etc. Be prepared for the inevitable variables of the season.
Leverage Your Tech
If you use a CGM or pump, review your reports (daily or weekly) with a light focus on trends, not perfection. With the help of your care team, consider adjusting your basal rates or correction factors if you know you’ll be a little less active or enjoying foods outside of your norm. Don’t be afraid to adjust the dials to help you stay connected and focused on enjoying the holiday.
3. Holiday Travel Check-In: Prep Makes a Difference
If you are traveling for the holidays (even a quick 2–3 day trip), a little prep goes a long way.
TSA + Airport Notes
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You can travel with all of your diabetes devices and supplies through TSA, just be sure to check with the manufacturer about whether or not your supplies can go through the full body scan. If you want to play it safe, request a pat down.
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You’re allowed a medical carry-on bag at no extra charge — this is huge because it means you don’t have to ration space or squeeze everything into one backpack. If you get pushback from a gate agent, gently remind them that you are entitled to carry an additional medical bag. You do not have to share any personal details about living with diabetes.
Spread Out Your Supplies
Instead of keeping everything in one bag, split your supplies between your bags (backpack + medical carry-on). If one bag gets delayed, you still have enough to get through.
Bring More Than You Think You’ll Need
Holiday travel is full of unpredictability — airport delays, extra meals, new routines. Having backup sensors, pump supplies, charging cables, low snacks, and a few spare Skin Grip patches means you stay connected and supported no matter what the travel day throws at you.
Think of this as travel self-care. A little extra prep on the front end buys you freedom to be present when you finally get where you’re going.
4. How to Talk to People About Your Diabetes
One of the trickiest parts of holidays can be conversations around diabetes. Family members or friends may make well-meaning but misinformed comments or ask questions that feel intrusive. Here are some polite, empowering ways to steer the conversation:
➤ Prepare A Short Script
You might say:
“Thanks for asking. I’ve got a system that helps me manage my diabetes (CGM + pump/patches). It’s part of how I stay well, so if I step out or snack mid-event, that’s why.”
➤ Educate Briefly, Then Redirect
Example:
“Yes, carbs matter, but so do all the other things you’re seeing like activity and sleep. I’ll be fine, I just might do something slightly differently. Now, tell me about your holiday tradition!”
➤ Set Boundaries with Grace
If comments become intrusive:
“I understand you’re curious, thanks, but I’m good with managing my supplies and numbers. Let’s just enjoy the party together.”
➤ Acknowledge Their Intent
Often, comments come from love:
“I know you care, so thank you. My routine might look a bit different but the goal is the same: to be present and have fun.”
5. Reflection & Learning for Next Year
After the holiday, have a quick check-in with yourself:
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What went well? (e.g., I didn’t skip the meal, my device stayed put, I chatted with a friend about my devices).
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What surprised me? (e.g., dessert didn’t impact my blood sugars like I thought it would, my glucose was stubbornly high in the mornings, taking 15 minutes to myself helped lower my stress levels).
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What will I do differently next time? Focus on one small change rather than overhaul everything.
These reflections set you up for next year with more confidence, less guilt, and better planning.
Final Thoughts
You deserve joy and connection this holiday season, and diabetes doesn’t have to overshadow that. By setting realistic expectations, leaning on your devices, prepping smartly, and communicating with the people around you, you can show up fully for your celebrations.
Here’s to meaningful moments, device-security that stays put, and conversations that bring you closer, not tug you off track. The holidays are yours to enjoy, not just get through.
