How to Navigate the Minnesota State Fair as a Diabetic

According to the National Institute of Diabetes, about 1 in 10 people in the United States have been diagnosed with a form of diabetes. Diabetes is when the pancreas either produces no or produces too much insulin. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to be absorbed from the bloodstream and into the cells where it then can be used for energy and other important functions! As a diabetic, insulin therapy may be necessary, or a person may just have to make sure they are monitoring the amount of carbohydrates they eat throughout the day in order to control their diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes, where too much sugar remains in the blood for too long, can lead to dire consequences. These include retinopathy (eye damage), neuropathy (nerve damage), and nephropathy (kidney damage).

For someone who is trying to control their blood sugars, the Minnesota state fair can seem like a daunting place that should be avoided at all costs. Luckily, the state fair has introduced some foods this year that can make managing diabetes and enjoying the fair easy!

Here are some tips for navigating the great Minnesota get together as a diabetic!

·      Check your blood sugar throughout the day-this can help you make sure your levels stay within a safe range.

·      Try carbohydrate counting. HealthPartners has released a helpful tool that contains the nutrition facts for popular fair foods! Check them out here!

·      Limit your intake of fried foods or split them with family and friends! These can be high in calories, saturated fat, and carbohydrates.

·      Look for high protein options such as the new Baba’s Hummus Bowls or kabobs at Union Hmong Kitchen!

·      Focus the day around doing activities at the fair instead of all the food.

·      The great thing about the fair is that the amount of walking done throughout the day is tremendous. So, make sure to ditch the sky ride and walk to the other side yourself!

·      The MN state fair is notoriously hot! Make sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

·      Remember: It is ok to splurge! One of the best things about the MN state fair is all the delicious food and you shouldn’t be afraid to indulge a little on once-a-year special occasions like this one!

Have fun and be safe!