How to Sucessfully Navigate Parties with Type 1 Diabetes

Summer is officially HERE!!!!!! If you love those 4th of July BBQs and Summer Birthday Bashes, it’s time to celebrate with friends and family you haven’t seen in over a year, thanks to Covid-19. For those managing Type 1 diabetes, parties can bring unique challenges. From deciding what outfit to wear that won’t expose medical devices too much, to calculating carbs in that cake, or figuring out how to bolus for a wine cooler, navigating diabetes and parties can feel overwhelming. We’ll explore all of these concerns and offer diabetic party tips to ensure you have fun while keeping your health in check.

 

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1. Picking The Perfect Party Outfit

  • When attending diabetic social events, avoid wearing open-toed shoes, especially if there’s drinking and dancing involved—heels can easily find your foot! Don’t be afraid to wear that cute outfit, even if your Pump or CGM shows; it’s an opportunity to educate others about Type 1 diabetes. Always wear sunscreen if you’re outdoors and reapply as needed—sunburns can cause elevated blood sugars. A fashionable hat can protect your face and scalp. And always wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace, which can be a lifesaver if someone unfamiliar with your condition finds you passed out from low blood sugar control.

2. Eating and Drinking at Party

  • Avoid sugary drinks like punch, lemonade, and sweet tea. Bring a few diet options for the party if water isn’t your thing.

  • The cheese board is your friend at any party

  • Picking low carb options can take the stress out of any party. Consider eating before the party, so you know the carb count better.

  • Keep an eye on your blood sugar if you consume alcohol

  • Alcohol tends to bottom out blood sugar (unless it’s a mixed drink with lots of sugar and carbs) since the liver responds to alcohol like a toxin and focuses only on removing it from the bloodstream; it won’t process like normal.

  • Fix a plate, count the carbs, and pre-bolus for it

  • That way you don’t have to worry about remembering to take it later.

  • Try to have only one dessert

  • If that isn’t good enough, just have one bite of each dessert but don’t go over 4-5 bites total.

3. Check Your Blood Sugar Before, During and After the Party

  • Having food and drinks you aren’t used to.

  •  keeping a close eye on blood sugars and making correction doses.

  • Drinking alcohol may cause your food not to be absorbed for a few hours

  • keeping a close eye on blood sugars, realizing your insulin and food may take a while to absorb in your liver after alcohol.

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4. Take Other's Suggestions With a Pinch of Salt

Aunt Karen’s advice on not eating that cookie is probably based on what she knows about uncle Vernon’s type 2 diabetes. Take the opportunity to educate her on type 1 or just say “uh-huh” and move on. Sometimes you just don’t even feel like fighting that battle with the ignorant Karens of the world.

5. Have a Designated "Buddy" at the Party

 

  • To help check on you or split a dessert or drink with.

    • It could be a date or a best friend or family member.

  • If you don’t know many people there, inform the host that you are diabetic so they can keep an eye out for you if anything goes wrong.

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