Health Tip: Keep Diabetes in Check

(HealthDay News) -- It can be difficult to eat healthy during the holidays, especially for diabetics.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions for people with diabetes:

• Eat a healthy snack before you attend a holiday gathering, or pack a healthy snack to eat there. You can also ask ahead of time which foods will be served, so you can better plan.
• If there's a buffet, take small portions, then head to another room so you're not tempted to reload your plate.
• Choose low-calorie or calorie-free drinks, from unsweetened tea to sparkling water. If you drink alcohol, drink a small amount with food.
• Avoid foods such as glazed ham, turkey with gravy and side dishes laden with butter, cream or mayonnaise. Instead, opt for lighter dishes with a vegetable base and fewer fatty, sugary and salty ingredients.
• For dessert, choose a food with a fruit base instead of desserts high in sugar, fat and cholesterol.
• Focus on friends and family, not food.