Holidays pose hazards for diabetics

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Thanksgiving marks the start of what a U.S. doctor calls "sugar-centric festivities," a hazard for diabetics.

Dr. Nicholas Jospe, chief of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Rochester Medical Center's Golisano Children's Hospital in New York finds this especially true for children. However, he counsels his diabetic patients and their parents that it is possible to navigate a safe course through the season's sweet temptations.

"This is the time of year where we're assaulted by sugar, but with careful attention, people with diabetes can uphold good habits," Jospe says in a statement. "Most of this can be summarized in a single rule -- that is, to be consistent. Don't take a holiday from the healthy practices you've mastered the rest of the year."

This means, Jospe says, religiously monitoring insulin levels. Blood sugar needs to be tested consistently, especially when eating at irregular times. The pancreas is naturally tuned to produce and release the right amount of insulin in rhythm with daily meals.

Jospe advises his patients to be careful to match their insulin dosage to their intake of carbohydrates.

"Especially," he says, "if you indulge a bit."