Festive celebrations often include mithai, fried snacks, and late-night feasts, which can cause dangerous blood sugar spikes, especially for people with diabetes. Experts warn that both immediate and long-term health risks may arise if sugar surges are not managed.
Why Sugar Spikes Happen
Dr. Sonali Kagne, Consultant Endocrinology at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, says irregular meal patterns–like fasting followed by feasting or eating late at night–can trigger sugar spikes even in healthy people. Dr. Vimal Pahuja, Associate Director of Internal Medicine at Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, adds that hidden sugars in traditional vrat foods (sabudana, potatoes, singhada flour, bananas) and missed insulin doses worsen spikes in diabetics.
High-Risk Foods
Certain festive foods pose the biggest risk:
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Syrup-soaked sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, rasgulla, malpua.
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Refined fried snacks such as samosas, kachoris, chakli.
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Starchy vrat foods paired with sugary drinks.
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Natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, and dates.
Even “healthy” vrat foods like sabudana khichdi or sweet potato halwa have a high glycemic load, causing the pancreas to overwork, increasing insulin resistance and diabetes risk over time.
Smart Strategies
Balance is key:
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Portion control: Take small servings of sweets.
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Plan the plate: Half vegetables, one-fourth protein, one-fourth carbs.
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Protein and fiber first: Slows sugar absorption.
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Don’t skip meals: Have a small protein snack before feasts.
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Stay active: Walk 10–15 minutes after meals.
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Hydrate and take medications on time.
With portion control, activity, and mindful eating, festivals can be enjoyed safely without harming blood sugar levels.
