KENDALLVILLE, IND. – Nov. 14, 2023 – The headlong rush to the holidays – and a season of temptation to eat plenty of unhealthy foods – is upon us. If you have diabetes, you may wonder: “With carbohydrate-rich dishes, baked goods and sugary drinks at every gathering, is it even possible for me to enjoy the holidays in a healthful way?”
Parkview Noble Center for Healthy Living’s Diabetes Support Group has your back with expert tips and dietary suggestions. Join the group on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., for a diabetic-friendly holiday meal with easy-to-prepare recipes to take home and try on your own. Hosts Caitlyn Bauer, MS, RDN, LD, community outreach dietitian for the Center for Healthy Living, and Terri Clark, RN, certified diabetes education specialist, Parkview Noble Hospital, will ready the meal in advance, so group members can get right to enjoying the three-course feast, which will consist of an appetizer, a main course and a delicious dessert.
“Managing diabetes while still participating in holiday traditions and social opportunities is really a matter of making sure you can give yourself better options,” said Bauer. “With a little advance effort and planning, you can have healthy, flavorful alternatives on hand for yourself and your loved ones that will enable you to focus on enjoying the occasion and the company instead of worrying about, or regretting, your food choices.”
A lively game of diabetes-themed Bingo will round out the holiday cheer. And yes, there will be prizes!
Managing diabetes – a chronic condition – takes a multifaceted approach to regulating blood sugar through diet, medications, exercise and other lifestyle modifications. Anyone seeking support and information for living better with diabetes is welcome to attend the meetings of the Diabetes Support Group, which is facilitated by Terri Clark and takes place at The Community Learning Center, 401 Diamond St. in Kendallville.
Support group meetings are free, but registration in advance is required. Please call the Parkview Center for Healthy Living at 260-347-8125 to register.
The group meets monthly throughout the year, except during November, January and February.
Additional resources available to help manage diabetes
Individuals with diabetes may also receive one-on-one consultations with a certified diabetes educator through Parkview Noble Hospital. Certified diabetes educators include a registered nurse and a registered dietitian. A physician’s order is required, and insurance is billed. For questions, and to schedule an appointment for a consultation, call 260-347-8301.