Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities are this weekend and that means sugary temptations will be all around. For most people, this is just an excuse to splurge on their sugar and calorie intake, but for anyone living with diabetes it’s a sugar control marathon. If you or your child are diabetic, there are ways to celebrate this holiday without feeling left out.
According to MD Steve Dowshen from KidsHealth.org, when diabetes isn’t under control high or low blood sugar levels can lead to short-term problems that must be treated right away. Here is a brief list of symptoms for each one to keep in mind this weekend to avoid missing out on the festivities.
Hunger, shakiness, sweatiness, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, or unconsciousness*Increased urination, extreme thirst, and unexplained weight lossNausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, unconsciousness*
| Hypoglycemia | Hyperglycemia | Diabetic Ketoacidosis |
*If not treated, could lead to unconsciousness.
If any of the symptoms above are present, follow your daily routine to keep sugar levels at a normal state. Here are other ideas from the Canadian Diabetes Association that can help maintain sugar levels under control during trick-or-treating.
- Select candy to keep, and work it into your regular meal plan by counting the carbohydrates. Get rid of the rest of the candy to avoid temptation.
- Trade with your kids! Offer your child small toys, school supplies or money in exchange for their candy.
- Let your child pick one treat per day, or on a schedule you have both agreed on in order to avoid overeating sugar.
- Pick out candy that can be used to treat future blood sugar lows (anything that is purely sugar). Divide these into servings of 15-gram carbohydrate and make up individual bags. Keep these nearby to treat hypoglycemia.
- Limit the impact of sweet treats on blood sugar levels by enjoying them with or immediately following a meal, instead of as a stand-alone snack.
- The extra walking while trick-or-treating can affect blood sugar levels, so make sure your child has a good meal before leaving the house. Pack a healthy snack, carbohydrates, or glucose pills to keep blood sugar levels from dropping. Encourage your child to eat these snacks instead of finishing all their candy.
- The key point is everything in moderation – FOR EVERYONE, not just for kids with diabetes! Encourage everyone at home to follow the same suggestions as you or your child with diabetes.
- Purchase candy for handing out the day of or as close to Halloween as possible, to avoid temptation for the whole family.
To learn more about type I diabetes or want to schedule an appointment with your doctor, call our SAIN offices in San Luis Rio Colorado. Our staff will help schedule your next appointment.