It's that time of year again when the kids go from house to house dressed up in many different costumes and get a ton of Carbs, aka Candy! If you are new to diabetes or just wondering how Halloween and diabetes work, let me do my best to explain it to you. Halloween and diabetes is really not that different from Halloween and NO Diabetes. We get dressed up in our favorite super hero or other costume just like everyone else. We get our treat bags ready for our school parties, sometimes we even have a parade. The only difference is that when it's done and over with, after we check the Carbs, aka candy, we have to make sure that whatever candy is chosen by our T1 to count each and every single carb and dose correctly with insulin. Now in our case and being on MDI's we have to make sure that this candy and insulin dose is at least 2 hours from the last insulin dose. So I guess you can say there are 2 differences, carb counting and strategic planning :). The planning involves making sure we eat at least 2 hours prior to the time of return from Trick or treating. Halloween can be very scary especially to those just starting out, but it's important to remember to let our kids still be kids. Just plan and dose properly with love of course. If you are curious there are a few lists of carb counts in the normal Halloween candy put out each year that you may want as reference for those small pieces that may not have the carbs listed.
Halloween Candy Carb Count #1
Halloween Candy Carb Count #2
You will make it through Halloween and it will be a fun and memorable experience. Stay tuned for a "How to handle Thanksgiving" post and my vent from last years experience.......
