“Whatever the occasion, kids with diabetes can be involved. There is a misconception that diabetes is about avoiding sweets and sugars; however it’s actually about managing carbohydrate intake. Children with diabetes can enjoy sweets and sugary foods in moderation and on occasion as part of a healthy balanced diet,” says Joanne Lewis, Manager, Diabetes Education at the Canadian Diabetes Association. “By determining the details in advance to keep diabetes management on track, parents and children will be prepared to participate and have fun on special occasions such as Halloween.”
Some ideas to allow your kids with diabetes to participate in Halloween are:
- Emphasize the non-food-related aspects of Halloween, such as costume preparation and decoration.
- Consider giving out school supplies with a Halloween-related theme as candy does not have to be the only option for treats. For example, Halloween-themed pencils can be handed out. This option can also be enjoyed longer than a piece of candy, chocolate bar or bag of chips.
- After trick-or-treating, sort through your child’s sack of loot, allowing them to set aside the candies they love best. Ration these out to ensure they enjoy them at the right times such as after supper for dessert or after lunch at school.
- Remember that there aren’t good or bad choices when it comes to candy. A gram of carbohydrate, whether it comes from a chocolate bar or a lollipop, affects blood glucose levels in the same way. However, a Halloween-size candy, which contains between eight to 15 grams of carbohydrates, could be a better choice than a big bag of chips, which has added fat, sodium and calories.
- Leftover treats can be traded with siblings or parents in exchange for non-food-related treats, such as a new toy.
- Consider saving items of pure candy such as lollipops for treating hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels).
- Moderation is important for everyone including children who don’t have diabetes. Let your child with diabetes know that it isn’t just because of their diabetes that they shouldn’t overindulge. Encourage your other children in the family to follow the same suggestions as your child with diabetes.
- Ensure your child has a good meal before trick-or-treating to prevent a low while running from door-to-door and to avert dipping into the treat bag before they get home because they’re hungry.
“If you have questions about your child’s diabetes management including their meal plan, speak to your child’s health care team.”
See Diabetes Canada for more information