We all know that diabetes can be managed with focus and planning. These strategies are especially important during the holiday season. I am a nurse practitioner who has had type 2 diabetes for 16 years, and making it through a holiday season without gaining 10 pounds and letting my blood sugar levels fall out of range has always been difficult. For me, the holiday season begins with Halloween and ends with New Year's Day. It is a time for being with friends and family, and there is always lots of food. Here are 10 things I do to make it into the New Year with good blood sugar control. I hope you will share these with your patients in the coming weeks.

1. When bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, prepare a low-calorie choice that will be a hit. My friends are always surprised that my dishes are low calorie because they are so flavorful. Visit www.diabetes.org for recipes. One of my favorites is cheesecake tarts.

2. When eating out at restaurants, do not take the breadbasket that's offered before the meal. Instead, request veggies with low-fat dip. This helps reduce carbohydrate intake. At the end of the meal, order dessert for the whole table to share.

3. During the week before and the week after the big holiday meal, increase your exercise program by adding 20 more minutes a day to your routine.

4. At holiday parties, instead of alcoholic cocktails, have seltzer with sugar-free drink mix and a twist of lemon or lime. You don't want to waste empty calories on alcohol.

5. At my family dinners, we discuss our health history with the young adults, especially those planning to have families. This helps provide them with an accurate past medical history. It also raises awareness about prevention.

6. After dinner, a family walk or game of Simon Says is always fun. For families with a Wii system, choose from the many games that require physical activity to play.

7. Given the many luscious desserts on the dessert table, try a little bit of something new and save the old favorites for another time.

8. When asked to take food home, take only enough for one meal. If you're doing the cooking, buy extra containers so that you can send everyone home with leftovers. Remember, you don't want to have too much leftover food in your home. Save only enough for one meal.

9. Depression is a common issue at holiday time. Remember that what motivates you year-round is what will also motivate you through the holidays. Enjoy yourself, but don't lose focus. Think of the big picture - your health and wellness.

10. Do not stay home because you think you will lose control if you join the festivities. It is one day, one event, and the eating does not have to continue for months. Sitting at home will make you depressed, so plan ahead for that party. If you overdo it with the peach cobbler, get up the next morning and do something to burn those calories.

Having diabetes can be difficult during the holidays, but think of it this way: You want to do the right thing this year so that you can see the dessert table next year. That's when Aunt Shirley might make your all-time favorite. (Mine is red velvet cake.) Now that is something to look forward to!

-by Angela Gaskins-Younger, NP, CDE