Managing diabetes during festivals (in Hindi)

Summary

This Hindi interview was recorded for a patient education programme run with the RSSDI, ahead of the Diwali season. Dr. Om discusses how to celebrate festivals without letting diabetes get out of control.

He points out common festival problems: follow-up visits are skipped because of holidays and travel, people forget to buy their medicines before shops close, and meals become irregular and rich. Plan ahead so that medicines and check-ups stay on schedule.

Practical tips from the discussion:

• Discipline is the key. In his experience, people who stick to their routine of medicines, diet and exercise through holidays do best.
• Learn to say no. Saying you are someone who does not eat sweets is often easier than explaining your diabetes.
• Family support helps. People who are well connected with family and friends tend to have better sugar control. Families who cook can make festival food more diabetes-friendly.
• Artificial sweeteners are acceptable in moderation, but they do not help weight loss or lower sugar by themselves.
• Stay active. Garba and other festival dancing count as exercise.
• Monitor more often, with a glucometer or a sugar sensor, and share readings with your doctor.

Recorded when Dr. Om worked at a previous hospital; he now practises at AB Plus Hospital.

If you take insulin or sugar-lowering tablets and your meals change a lot, ask your doctor in advance how to handle your medicines. Read more about normal blood sugar levels and sugar sensors in India.