The survey, conducted among U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes aged 45 and older, showed that 41 percent of respondents lacked confidence in their ability to effectively manage their diabetes during the temptation-filled holiday season. More specifically, about half (48 percent) have experienced holiday stress that resulted in unhealthy behaviors, such as eating unhealthy food (34%), overeating (32%), not exercising (20%) or forgetting to measure blood glucose (17%).

“The holiday season poses a special challenge to many people with type 2 diabetes,” said AADE President Donna Rice, MBA, BSN, RN, CDE. “There is often more food, more social engagements, and more activity than usual, which make it difficult to maintain a self-management routine.”

According to Rice, people with diabetes need extra encouragement and support from friends and family, as well as their diabetes care team during the busy holiday season. She adds, “As a key member of the care team, diabetes educators can counsel patients, helping them develop the skills to cope with the added stress and temptation of the holidays and other major life-changes.”

“Even short disruptions to a diabetes management routine can have negative effects on a person’s health status. The survey findings are significant because they remind us that friends, family, and healthcare providers like diabetes educators must be diligent in helping people with diabetes plan for challenging times,” says Rice.