Each year the month of November is designated as National Diabetes Month. Individuals with diabetes, however, often struggle to manage this condition every month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ([CDC], n. d. [b]), approximately one in every ten persons has diabetes, and type 2 diabetes is the most common type. For the 38 million plus individuals with diabetes, it is a challenge to manage this condition, especially during holiday season.  

Stress is a normal part of life that occurs on a daily basis. However, the holidays can be extremely stressful for a person to manage their diabetes or control their blood glucose levels. During the holidays there are nutritional challenges that require restraint with regard to the numerous savory and sweet treats that are available. Also during the holidays, family and friends gather together to enjoy all kinds of delicious meals filled with breads, cakes, candies, casseroles, cookies, fruit, pastas, pies, and the list of foods seems to be endless. This can be a real struggle to find optimal life balance.  

The challenge for those with diabetes during holidays, not only includes the selection of the best food to consume to manage this disorder, but this time of year can trigger a stress response that is unhealthy. A person’s attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs, can affect their physical health and vice versa (CDC, n. d. [a]).  Along with physical stress, psychosocial and emotional stress can add to the struggles faced by those with diabetes (Sharma et al., 2022).  

There link between the mind and the body has other impacts. People with diabetes have a two to three times greater likelihood of experiencing depression than those without diabetes. In addition, about one-fourth to one-half of individuals with diabetes are not diagnosed with depression or depressive symptoms and therefore are not treated for depression (CDC, n. d. [a]). Some of the signs of depression, anxiety, or mental and emotional stress are sleep pattern disturbances (too much or too little), excessive fatigue, feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, and a decreased interest in activities that were preferred in the past. Also, feelings of guilt, sadness, fear, and overeating, or not eating enough, can be signs of depression and anxiety. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience anxiety than those without diabetes (CDC, n. d. [a]). 

So, the question is, how does one find peace in the midst of the health storm of diabetes, especially during the holidays? In order to handle holiday stress, engage in some type of recreational physical activity, relax and take care of yourself, get involved with a hobby, make appropriate food choices, and check blood glucose levels regularly. Contacting friends or family members to talk through troubling issues or just to receive some encouragement that is uplifting, can be ideal to reduce stress (CDC, n. d. [a]). 

Managing diabetes, especially during the holiday season can produce fear and distress. However, in John 14:27 we are told, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The promise that God will provide comfort, joy, and peace is encouraging, in that those with diabetes can claim victory in the management of the condition, especially during the holiday season.