This post contains affiliate links from certain websites and Amazon. I receive payments for clicks, purchases, and/or registrations made through affiliate links in this post. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.
With kids with Type 1 Diabetes, Halloween can be a bit tricky. When my son was first diagnosed 7 years ago, I stressed about it also and it turned out not to be a big deal. There are challenges and concerns that come with the holiday season. In this blog post, I want to share some tips and tricks for managing Type 1 Diabetes During Halloween for a safe and fun celebration.
Firstly, it’s essential to plan ahead. This means having a conversation with your child with Type 1 Diabetes, about how to handle Trick or Treating. It’s important to set expectations and establish a plan ahead of time to avoid any surprises or difficulties. Unlike past years before your child was diagnosed, they could be carefree about it. But now, things need to be modified. One approach is to have a set amount of candy that’s allowed each day, or to exchange some of the candy for healthier alternatives like fruit, low-carb candy or snacks or toys. Keep in mind that your child may not want to swap out anything, so you could make a plan to have them enjoy 1-3 pieces a day and just cover the carbs with insulin.
There are online charts that will tell you what the carbs for candy
Here are some good ones that you can rely on (and download)
Children With Diabetes Carb Counts for Common Candies
These are some lower carb (or lower sugar) candy and snacks we like
Choc Zero
SkinnyDipped
Smart Sweets
HiLo Life
Keep in mind that some “keto” candies may saw they are lower in net carbs. For Type 1 Diabetes dosage, we count total carbs, not net carbs. Look at the total carbohydrates for correct insulin dosing.
Candy Donation
Another option is to donate some of the candy to a local charity or give it away to friends and family. Most dentist or orthodontist offices do have some kind of drive and there are places that send candy to the troops. Your local facebook parenting group most likely will be aware of these drives or call your own dentist/orthodontist. Operation Gratitude, which donates to the troops, is a popular place to donate to.
Switch Witch
For those with younger kids, the Switch Witch could be a great idea. Kids “switch their Halloween candy for toys”.
Keep an Eye on Blood Sugar Levels
Another important aspect of Halloween with Type 1 Diabetes is monitoring blood sugar levels. With all the excitement and treats, it’s easy to forget to check blood sugar levels, but it’s crucial to keep track of them. If your child with Type 1 Diabetes has a continuous glucose monitor like Dexcom or Libre, you can keep an eye on it easier. If your child is MDI (gives shots when they eat), they should have their candy at one time as not to keep giving insulin shots. If they are on a insulin pump, it’s easier to have a treat here and there during the day or night.
Trick or Treating Tips
Don’t forget to bring your testing supplies and insulin with you when trick-or-treating or attending parties. It’s also helpful to be mindful of the types of candy that are being consumed. Some candies are higher in sugar, while others have a lower glycemic index. It’s important to choose wisely and be aware of the carb count of each candy. This can help you dose insulin and avoid any blood sugar spikes or crashes.
Conclusion
Finally, it’s important to remember to have fun! Halloween is a festive and enjoyable time of year, and having Type 1 Diabetes shouldn’t stop your child with Type 1 Diabetes from participating in the fun. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can enjoy the holiday and manage type 1 diabetes at the same time.
In conclusion, Halloween with Type 1 Diabetes can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By planning ahead, monitoring blood sugar levels, being mindful of the types of candy consumed, and remembering to have fun, you can navigate the holiday with ease. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy the festivities and still manage your diabetes effectively. Save these Tips and Tricks for Managing Type 1 Diabetes During Halloween!
I added a bunch of lower carb snacks to my Amazon Storefront.
Leave a Reply