National Diabetes Month and Halloween: What’s the Deal?

National Diabetes Month and Halloween

Happy Halloween to you! The one day a year where your little one can pretend they’re anything and eat their weight in free candy, simply be saying ‘trick or treat’. Did you know that October is also National Diabetes Month? National Diabetes Month and Halloween together – what are those odds?

Between trick-or-treating, parties, and festivals, Halloween can one big sugar rush. But what happens if your child has diabetes? Can they enjoy the spooky holiday as much as every other kid on the block? They can definitely enjoy Halloween treats in moderation, but keep in mind there’s more to October 31 than candy. Check out some tips we’ve found to help you and your little one celebrate this spooky holiday without sending glucose levels soaring.

Sit down with your child and discuss your Halloween plans in advance so they know what to expect. Create some boundaries and general rules, and involve them in the decision making throughout the festivities. They’ll be more likely to be on board with a plan they helped create. Find out what’s most important to them about the day, and try to work together to meet in the middle so diabetes management can remain a priority.

Make sure they don’t think they are losing out at all by take the focus off of candy. Encourage making arts and crafts projects, entering pumpkin carving/painting contests, watching a Halloween movie, visiting a haunted house, etc.

Planning to go trick-or-treating? Make sure your child eats smart earlier in the day so they can start off the evening with normal blood sugar. Then, make a pact with your child to avoid snacking until you’re both home from trick-or-treating. Once you’ve returned home, your child can dose the correct amount. Teaching moderation is important. You can have too much of a good thing. Set a rule as to how many pieces of candy your child can eat a day, as long as their blood glucose isn’t high, and then stick to it.

Have your child pick their favorite pieces of candy, and get rid of the rest. Your child can enjoy a few pieces of candy throughout the week, and you can use it as an opportunity to show them how to cover their carbohydrates with insulin. Apply this tip to everyone so no one feels singled out.

You can donate the extra candy to a variety of different community groups, a local children’s hospital, or troops overseas through the Halloween Candy Buy-Back program. The program allows kids to turn in their candy to participating dentists’ offices throughout the country in exchange for a goody bag or other prize. These are also great ways to get your child excited about giving back.

The Teal Pumpkin Project by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) raises awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters. Join the movement by handing out non-food treats, such as bookmarks, stickers and glow sticks for trick-or-treaters. Paint a pumpkin teal to place in front of your home, along with a free printable sign from FARE, to indicate you have non-food treats available.

If you have questions or concerns about diabetes and your child’s oral health, make an appointment today with Dr. Farless at 336-282-2868 or visit our website at www.gsodentist.com.

Dr. Farless also proudly serves Greensboro, Brown Summit, Jamestown, High Point, McLeansville, Summerfield and all surrounding areas.