Holiday menus for parties and dinners can seem like landmines for those with diabetes. They know the season is chock full of goodies that can wreck their diets.

To help those affected by diabetes learn how they can navigate through the festivities, St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center is hosting another free evening diabetes class.

It is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3 in the St. Dominic Room in the St. Rose basement, 3515 Broadway. Donna Krug, Kansas State University extension agent, will present the "Holiday Survival Guide" class.

"Donna does a great job presenting diabetes information," said Gloria Siefkes, St. Rose diabetes educator and registered nurse. "She is well versed in all the ins and outs, and students will come away with good information to guide them through the holiday season."

Krug noted that she will emphasize what those with diabetes can eat, as opposed to what they can’t eat.

"We want to help people look at the positive side and understand all the good things they can enjoy," Krug said. "Recipes and advice on how to enjoy holiday gatherings will be part of the class."

Krug cautions family members to not become short-order cooks to accommodate those with diabetes – any time of the year. Rather, she said, meal preparers should make food choices that are good for everyone.

"It is so important for family and friends to be on board," Krug said.

During the class, Krug will discuss a book called "Water with Lemon" by Zonya Foco, R.D., and Stephen Moss.

The authors use the initials D-I-E-T-F-R-E-E to explain their suggestions. The letters stand for: Drink water; Include breakfast; Eat often; Tame your sweet tooth; Find the fat; Replace processed and chemically enhanced foods with those close to the farm; Eat only until you are no longer hungry; and Every once in a while, it is okay to have a treat.

"Many people with diabetes know these basic rules, but we know how difficult they can be to follow at the holidays," Krug said. "Anyone who wants to learn more is encouraged to attend this free class. I will do my best to answer all questions."

Pre-registration is not required.