It's summer and we're enjoying many outdoor gatherings, enjoying delicious food with family and friends. Everyone knows the typical BBQ foods: hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and chips and dip. They may be delicious, but they’re not always the most healthful foods out there. So how can you make a summer BBQ stress-free? Here are 5 tips to help you stay on top of your diabetes management:

1. Call the host/hostess ahead of time for a list of foods that will be served.  
One way to plan for a BBQ is to call the host/hostess a day or two before to see what foods are going to be served. If you’re comfortable, explain to the host/hostess why you’re asking for the food being served. If the party is going to be catered, it gives you time to look on the restaurant’s website for their nutritional information. If it’s a potluck, this is a chance for you to try a new recipe and bring something that you know the nutritional information for. Consider bringing leaner meats for grilling, whole grain buns, side dishes with fruits or vegetables, lettuce/tomato/sprouts or dips made from legumes (such as hummus or dahl). The Food Network, All Recipes, and A Sweet Life all have great dishes to try.

2. Test your blood glucose levels before and throughout the day.
On the day of the BBQ or party, test your blood glucose levels before you arrive and frequently throughout the day. Whether you’re playing activities in the backyard, had a defined meal plan prior to coming, or will be “sampling” many foods there, it’s important to stay on top of your diabetes.

3. Be sure to carb count while you’re eating or sampling.
Keeping track of the carbs while you’re eating will make handling your diabetes a lot easier, especially when the dessert is brought out. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about any special instructions or how to match the amount of insulin to the food you’ll be eating.  Measuring and memorizing 15 gram reference portions of common carbohydrate containing foods at home is a great way to visually estimate your carb load when you are out. While it's an ongoing challenge to practice, the more items you memorize in this fashion, the more spontaneous your meal times can be.  The following are roughly 15 grams of carbs:

• 1/3 cup baked beans,
• ½ cup potato salad,
• 1/3 cup pasta salad,
• ½ bun,
• 3 cups tossed salad,
• 2 TBS BBQ sauce,
• 1 veggie burger,
• 1 cup fresh fruit,
• 1 ½ cup grilled zucchini,
• and a 2 inch square brownie.

The USDA has a great online resource for common foods and their nutritional values by serving size. You can also use an app like Calorie King to look up the carb count of most foods from your smart-phone.

4. Keep your insulin pump safe during outdoor activities.
If you know you’ll be spending the day outside, try to keep your insulin pump protected from direct sunlight by keeping it covered in a pocket or pouch. Did you know that the t:slim® Pump is the only insulin pump with a temperature sensor that will let you know if the insulin in your cartridge gets hot enough to be compromised? The t:slim Pump is also watertight, tested at 3 feet for 30 minutes, so you don’t have to worry if your pump gets wet. Be sure to disconnect before swimming and place your pump in a secure, shaded area to keep your insulin safe.

5. Watch your blood glucose levels if you’re drinking alcohol.
If you’re going to be enjoying a drink during summer parties, be sure to plan accordingly. Try to know ahead of time any specific drinks that may be served (i.e. beer or wine) and keep track of how much you drink. The ADA has a resource for “Tips to Sip By” and WebMD provides their “Diabetes and Alcohol Consumption Dos and Don’ts”. Don’t forget to hydrate if it’s hot outside.

Source: Tandem DIabetes Care, July/August 2014 e-newsletter