Don't Skip Halloween Because of Diabetes
Just because little Jimmy or Judy has Diabetes, doesn't mean that they have to skip Halloween.“They can enjoy Halloween and enjoy some of the sweets the holiday offers — within reason,” says Kenneth McCormick, M.D., pediatric endocrinologist and senior scientist in the UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center. “We give parents and kids three options and let them decide how they want to handle Halloween and the sweets that come with it.”
Tip 1: Count Carbs- By counting carbs, kids can enjoy some of the treats Halloween has to offer. Moderation, though is key. The child should be monitored as to how many carbs they are eating and should take one unit of insulin for every 15 or 20 grams of carbohydrates. “This is an easy option for kids on an insulin pump because they can just dial in an extra dose of insulin to compensate for what they are about to eat. But for kids that take shots, this could prove to be more difficult or inconvenient if they have to go to the school nurse for an extra dose,” McCormick says.
Tip 2: Exchange candy- “Parents can trade gifts, money, or low carb snack for their child's candy. Parents also can provide a substitute snack for their child if a Halloween party at school is an issue,” McCormick says. “We have been advising parents to do this for many, many years, and it is a solution that continues to work.”
Tip 3: Save for dessert- McCormick says kids can savor their Halloween treats without an extra shot or dose of insulin by having them for dessert after dinner. “By incorporating a sugary treat into meal time, when a child would normally get a dose of insulin, it eliminates the need for adding doses to their regimen.”
