How to Plan a Safe Halloween for Diabetics
If you have diabetes, Halloween can be a very challenging holiday. There’s candy in every grocery store and drug store. And you’ll likely bring quite a lot home, either to give to trick or treaters, or after your children’s own trick or treating on October 31.
Of course, indulging in Halloween candy can be dangerous when you’re living with this disease. Just one or two mini candy bars could throw off your blood sugar levels which is a problem for your overall health, especially your feet.
You see, when too much sugar builds up in your blood, it can damage your nerves. This may lead to neuropathy, a condition in which those damaged nerves limit feeling in your feet. In turn, you may not notice small wounds or your feet. So, your risk for wounds and ulcers will rise.
To avoid such diabetic foot complications, it’s important to follow a healthy diet. (Even at Halloween time.) To help you stay on track, here are four tips for a diabetic-friendly Halloween.
4 Tips for a Healthier Halloween Celebration
Instead of facing the temptation of piles of candy in your home, these tips can help you avoid overindulging.
Keep temptation at bay.
To make sure you don’t face temptation, buy candy the day of and choose candy you don’t like.
Save for another day.
Instead of leaving out your Halloween haul, stick the leftovers in the freezer. This can help you work the occasional treat in your diabetic meal plan, without mindlessly munching.
Bring a snack.
If you plan on attending a Halloween party, plan on bringing a healthy snack. By doing this, you know there will be at least one snack you can enjoy and that will help you eat less sugary treats.
Look for simple Halloween candy swaps.
Instead of looking for ways to get rid of candy, why not avoid sugary treats altogether? Be the change you want to see and choose to hand out non-edible treats this Halloween. Not sure where to begin? Any of these ideas could work:
Glow necklaces and/or bracelets
Fun erasers
Tattoos
Pencils
Crayons
Hair bows
Slinkies
Vampire teeth or spider rings
Small containers of Play-Doh
Of course, taking care of your diabetic feet is important all year round. That’s why our Westfield podiatrist recommends scheduling an in-office diabetic foot exam at least once a year, if not more often . Overdue for your next visit? Reach out and schedule an immediate appointment with our office.