How to Manage Diabetes Ahead of the Holidays with Recuro Primary Care

Managing diabetes is difficult year-round, but it can be especially hard during the holidays. While gathering with friends and family over the dinner table it’s important to remember that this time of year also possess a struggle for millions of Americans living with diabetes. Luckily we offer support for our members with chronic conditions through Recuro Primary Care!

Did you know that there are around 37 million Americans currently living with diabetes (according to the CDC)? [1] Additionally, an estimated 96 million adults are dealing with pre-diabetes, a condition that can be prevented if managed correctly. Surprisingly, almost 38% of adults in the United States are affected by pre-diabetes. [2] This not only impacts individuals but also affects employers, leading to approximately $90 billion in indirect costs (like unforeseen time off work or unplanned sick days) and $327 billion in direct costs for diabetes care. [3] Sadly, these numbers are growing as more and more Americans become diagnosed year after year.

Given the significant impact of chronic conditions, helping patients manage them effectively can save BIG on medical bills. With the holidays fast approaching, the risk for patients with diabetes is a REAL concern, as managing blood sugars & A1C levels can prove exceptionally difficult with family gatherings. Thankfully, Recuro Primary Care provides patients with the tools and comprehensive support they need to better manage their health with individualized care.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

• According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, shared decision-making between patients and clinicians is crucial in identifying suitable management options that fit each patient’s unique situation. Patients with Recuro Primary Care can access a nationwide network of licensed physicians across all 50 states. This increased accessibility means more immediate care and convenience. With easy access via phone or video, patients can directly collaborate with a dedicated doctor to establish a personalized treatment plan. This collaboration enables more meaningful patient discussions and guided care to ensure lifestyle and behavioral changes are adhered to. This one-on-one engagement can significantly improve diabetes management including weight loss, exercise, or dietary modifications.

Ongoing Engagement & Education:

• Effective diabetes care takes consistency and commitment. With Recuro Primary Care, patients can schedule regular appointments to test their A1c levels every three months. Here primary care physicians can directly schedule any necessary referrals (including eye and kidney exams). More importantly, not only do patients have access to a dedicated doctor, but they also receive regular educational materials to learn how to better manage their chronic conditions. Educating patients on monitoring their health is pivotal in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive measures to reduce diabetes risks. Regular check-ups and screenings play a crucial role in early detection and management of health issues. If you have not yet scheduled a Recuro Health Risk Assessment, please do so in our Member Portal: https://member.recurohealth.com/

Holistic Health & Complete Care:

• People with diabetes require regular screenings to maintain overall health. Monitoring other health concerns like hypertension, high cholesterol, depression, and mental health is equally important. Coordinating these cross-functional services can be overwhelming but thanks to Recuro Primary Care, we streamline the process through your primary care physician (PCP) – not only that, but they can also prescribe medication over the phone to be easily sent to your nearby pharmacy. Best of all, your PCP will monitor your progress, ensuring you take your medication as prescribed, and when necessary make any adjustments based on your holistic outlook.

9 Meal-Time Tips During Seasonal Gatherings:

When you are traveling, hosting family and being surrounded by a variety of sweet treats and other snacks, it can be difficult to stay on track and keep your blood sugar under control. To support you during the hectic holiday season, we’ve gathered some helpful diabetes management tips below:

1. Maintain a Consistent Eating Schedule: Aim to eat at your regular meal hours to stabilize blood sugar levels. If faced with a family meals served later than usual, consider having a snack at your regular mealtime and eating slightly less during the main gathering.
2. Limit Carbohydrate Intake: If indulging in sweets like pumpkin pie, consider reducing other carbohydrates during your meal, such as potatoes or bread. When hosting, consider offering extra vegetable or low/no-carb options, especially if guests have diabetes.
3. Avoid Skipping Meals: Resist the temptation to skip a meal to compensate for a larger gathering later on. Skipping meals can complicate blood sugar management and lead to overeating due to hunger.
4. Forgive Yourself for Missteps: Everyone slips up occasionally. Instead of harsh self-judgment, focus on getting back on track after any deviations from your plan.
5. Control Portion Sizes: Enjoy holiday foods in moderation. Be mindful of portion sizes and balance by increasing vegetable servings rather than overly restricting your intake.
6. Practice Mindful Eating: Slow down your eating pace to allow your brain to register fullness. Begin with proteins and vegetables so that by the time you reach starchy foods, you’re already starting to feel satisfied.
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Individuals with diabetes should limit or avoid alcohol due to its potential to significantly impact blood sugar and potentially interact with medications.
8. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Regularly: As holiday meals often contain more carbohydrates, check your blood sugar more frequently than usual to promptly address any concerning changes.
9. Stay Physically Active: Even though big meals might make you feel sluggish, staying active is vital to stabilize blood sugar levels and counteract the effects of larger meals.

This Diabetes Awareness Month don’t struggle between your health and the holidays – book a Recuro check-up with your primary care provider to put you on the right path! Schedule your checkup today: https://member.recurohealth.com/

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-facts-stats.html

[2] https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/prediabetes-trends-among-us-adults

[3] https://welldyne.com/wordpress/uploads/2022/03/sls-0213_AMCP-poster_digital_032422_v1.pdf