Whether you realize it or not, you probably know someone (perhaps even a loved one) who has diabetes. This chronic health condition occurs when your pancreas stops producing insulin (type 1 diabetes) or your body undergoes changes that make it difficult for your body to produce enough insulin and use it correctly (type 2 diabetes). Either way, it can cause blood sugar levels to be too high, which can affect your health in a number of different ways.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes affects 37 million Americans overall, and that number is rising. In the past 20 years alone, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than doubled. (It’s worth noting, however, that 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.)
Experts in this article
- Lori Cooper, MD, is an endocrinologist and metabolic specialist with interests in diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, osteoporosis, thyroid and parathyroid, and transgender medicine
- Michael Maher, R.D., a registered dietitian from Long Island, New York, works at Teatis (a line of diabetes supplements).
Living with diabetes can be challenging—it often involves a complex balancing act to keep your blood sugar as close to your target range as possible. So if someone you know has recently been diagnosed with this condition, or has been managing it for years, you might want to offer them a little something extra this holiday season (you’re so kind!) . However, you may be wondering what exactly a diabetic should eat. It’s not always easy for people with this medical condition to know what a truly useful, appropriate and appreciated gift is.
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what to look for
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What to look for in a gift
When buying gifts for people with diabetes, it’s important to support their diabetes-friendly lifestyle, says Long Island nutritionist Michael Maher, who offers diabetes-friendly meal kit service Teatis. “For the friends and family we love, we should do our best to help them live their happiest, healthiest lives and help them feel supported, which can make a huge difference in their lives and even their circumstances.”
However, it’s important to realize that while diabetes may be an important part of their lifestyle, it’s not all they are – and many people don’t want their lifestyle to be associated with diabetes. identity given their condition. Not knowing how your loved one feels? You can ask them anytime.
To help you find the perfect gift for your friend or family member with diabetes, we’ve compiled a list of expert-approved gift ideas that are sure to impress this holiday season.
Best gift ideas for diabetics
Brieftons 10-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer — $37.00
Substituting vegetables for carb-heavy foods like pasta and rice can be a healthy decision and may come in handy for people with diabetes, but buying pre-cut and sliced items at the grocery store can add up. This home vegetable spiralizer lets you instantly whip up shredded noodles, spaghetti, spaghetti, you name it, with vegetables.
SPIbelt Adult Diabetic Running Belt — $25.00
Running, especially outdoor running, can be a challenge for people with diabetes who need to carry certain supplies, such as fast-acting carbohydrate sources when blood sugar is low. Designed specifically for running, this belt stores all the essentials a diabetic may need on the go.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag — $38.00
“For people with diabetes, a fun and stylish bag or pouch can be used to carry the supplies or medications they need,” notes Dr. Cooper. This stylish bag from Lululemon can store a few important items as well as any medical supplies a diabetic patient might carry with them. The Everywhere Bag is a favorite among shoppers, and for good reason. It’s small enough to be very convenient (versus larger fanny packs) but has enough pockets for everyday storage. It truly is the most practical and perfect fanny pack.
Barefoot Dreams Comfortable Chic Heather Socks — $18.00
People with diabetes may have a condition called neuropathy, which is nerve damage that makes their hands or feet more sensitive to injury, says Lori Cooper, MD, a Seattle endocrinologist and diabetes and metabolism specialist. So she recommends giving them a pair of warm socks to wear during the winter to protect their feet from damage.
Fitbit Charge 6 Advanced Fitness and Wellness Tracker — $150.00
Fitbit is a cool device that allows people to track their personal fitness in a simple and easy-to-use way. Not only does this help encourage exercise, but it’s a great way to stay super motivated for those who want to step up their health and fitness. The statistics are easy to browse, which makes fitness tracking less intimidating for those interested.
Pure Enrichment PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser — $30.00 USD
This smart home diffuser plugs directly into the wall and distributes tiny droplets of fragrance throughout your home. Via Bluetooth, users can connect to Pure’s app to control scent intensity and arrange payment. It can also be used as a night light (it’s not bright enough for you to read at night, but it can help set your mood if you want to add a bit of ambiance while you relax and watch your favorite show).
SHBC Compact Insulin Cooler Trip—$17.00
Dr. Cooper points out that any injectable diabetes medication needs to stay cool, so it’s a good idea to provide something practical, like a bag, that can help keep the medication cool while traveling.
Gaiam Yoga Beginner Kit — $29.00
Some research suggests that yoga therapy may increase some insulin receptors in people with type 2 diabetes, making yoga a very beneficial practice. This gift set is perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate a little mindfulness into their life. It comes with everything someone new to the yoga world might need—mats, blocks, straps, and even access to digital workouts.
Brumate Resa 35 oz — $43.00
Dr. Cooper warns that staying hydrated is important, especially for people with diabetes, as dehydration may cause blood sugar levels to rise. This chic water bottle can help encourage people to drink water. Thanks to its strong insulating properties, it keeps the cold at bay and can be refilled again and again. It’s also completely leak-proof thanks to its locking lid, and features a durable silicone handle for easy portability.
Yankee Candle Signature Shot Cup Set — $35.00
If you really don’t know what to give someone this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with a gift set from Yankee Candle (unless you know the person is really sensitive to smells, then maybe a super-scented candle) no a good choice). This affordable package includes three of the holiday season’s best-selling products: Balsam & Cedar, Christmas Cookie™ and Red Apple Wreath.
Organic Rain Sheet Kit Available — $215.00
This is definitely an expensive gift, but it’s certainly one that anyone on your list will appreciate, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes. These silky-soft organic cotton sheets get softer with every wash and are available in three neutral colors. When you spend so much mental and physical energy on your health, it’s nice to be able to snuggle into soft, decadent sheets while you rest.
Diabetes Food Journal: Daily Log to Track Blood Sugar, Nutrition, and Activity — $9.00
People with diabetes may want to log their food to make sure they’re eating the right things – and this journal makes it easy for you to do just that. Not all people with diabetes do this, so it’s a good idea to find out if they like tracking their nutrient intake this way. But if your gift recipient finds a food journal useful, this is a great option. You can record every detail, from nutrient intake to water consumption and even daily activities.
Bombas Women’s Tri-Block Marl Ankle Socks 6-Pack — $75.00 USD
If you haven’t put on these socks yet, now is the time to do so. Thanks to their cellular arch support system, they conform to the contours of your foot in a supportive and functional way, and don’t compromise on quality every time they’re washed. In addition, the company also donates a pair of socks for every sock purchased.
Arthur’s Sugar Free Chocolates — $15.00
For diabetics who track their sugar intake, this chocolate is a delicious alternative to traditional candy. Each box contains a variety of milk and dark chocolate flavors produced by Asher’s Chocolate, the famous chocolate brand founded in 1892.
Instant Pot Max 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker 9-in-1 Multi-Cooker — $170.00
Many people with diabetes are looking for ways to make healthy meals in the comfort of their own home (instead of takeout—which, by its nature, isn’t the most transparent about its ingredients)—and one of the easiest ways to do that is with an Instant Pot, which just A pressure cooker. It can whip up a meal in no time and is especially useful for cooking vegetables, rice or even desserts.
Diabetes Warrior Personalized Necklace — $39.00
This sweet gift is really thoughtful for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes or is specifically suffering from it. You can customize it to include their name, and each includes a very sentimental note about what it’s like to be diagnosed and deal with this life-changing medical condition.
Healthy Snack Maintenance Package — $27.00
This is the ultimate gift for snack lovers. It comes with a variety of sweet, spicy and salty classics, including Cheez-Its, Skinny Pop, Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Nutri-Grain, Chewy bars and more. What we love about it is that it comes in a small, travel-friendly package of 30, which is very convenient. Note that if you’re watching your carb and sugar intake, you’ll want to pay attention to the nutrients in the mix.
“Blue Zones American Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” — $19.00
For anyone concerned about health and longevity, this cookbook shares 100 recipes that can help people live an extra 10 years (who wouldn’t want that?). The blue zones are the five areas in the world where people live the longest (Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, Nicoya, Costa Rica, Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California). It combines the collected wisdom of more than 50 food professionals, including chefs from across the United States, into easy-to-make meals that anyone can make at home.
Ugg Scuffette II Slippers — $95.00
This is a gift that almost anyone on your list will appreciate, especially those who are diabetic and may suffer from that pesky nerve pain caused by neuropathy. They are available in a variety of colors including blue, maroon, rose and red.
Headspace Subscription—$70.00
Living with a chronic illness like diabetes is undoubtedly stressful, so gifts that encourage your loved one to relax can go a long way in showing your love for them. The app provides unlimited access to meditations and support that can help people become more centered and relaxed in their daily lives.
CHOMPS Grass-Fed Beef Jerky Snack Sticks — $19.00 USD
If the person you’re gifting is an avid snacker and you know they’re a meat lover, this pack of grass-fed beef jerky snacks makes a great gift (or stocking stuffer). Not only are they low in fat, carbs, and sodium (unusual for jerky), they’re also sugar-free and high in protein—if your gift-giver is limiting these nutrients.
RENPHO Heated Foot Massager — $110.00
Who wouldn’t love a foot massager that you can use at your leisure in the comfort of your own home? It’s the ultimate way to beat fatigue after a long day and helps with circulation (diabetes puts people at higher risk for diseases that affect the circulatory system, according to UCLA Health). This product has three kneading and three squeezing strengths that you can adjust according to your preference. It also provides heat, which is especially soothing in the winter.
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