Halloween is here, and with its promise of costumes, parties, and decorations comes the temptation of Halloween treats! But if you’re an adult with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, this spooky season can feel challenging as you navigate these sugar-filled occasions.
But fear not! In this article, we’ll shed light on how you can fully enjoy the magic of Halloween without putting your health on the line. We’ll give you tips and tricks on how to empower yourself this holiday season— from going sugar-free to embracing new traditions that don’t involve sugars at all! As a bonus, we’ll also tell you how a continuous glucose monitor can help you manage your blood sugar levels more easily, especially when you get one through insurance.
Tips for a Diabetes-Friendly Halloween
Having a diabetes-friendly Halloween can be safe and enjoyable with a small amount of mindfulness. Here are some tips you can use this holiday season.
1. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels. Manage your blood glucose levels throughout all your Halloween activities— especially those that involve candy! To make this part of diabetes care easy, use a helpful continuous glucose monitor (CGM), like the Dexcom G7 or the FreeStyle Libre 3 System. These CGMs make blood sugar management a breeze! A simple scan of a sensor will send your blood level readings to your phone or other smart device in real-time. You’ll also receive hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alerts so you can stay safe.
2. Practice Consumption Awareness. Be aware of how many sweet treats you consume this season by practicing consumption awareness. Try to eat in moderation and avoid temptation and overindulging as best you can.
3. Count Candy Carbs. Looking at the carb counts of Halloween candies is essential if you have diabetes. Print off our Candy Carbs Cheat Sheet and take it with you, or put it on your fridge for quick reference.
4. Watch for Hidden Sugars. Some Halloween treats may have hidden sugars, so read labels closely. If you’re trick-or-treating with your loved ones and want to indulge, try to wait until you get home when you can read labels.
5. Make Healthy Foods. If you’re hosting or attending a Halloween party, you can always meal plan by preparing your own spooky snacks, appetizers, and entrees for healthy eating! Here are some Halloween recipe ideas:
- Boo-tiful bean dip.
- Devil-ish eggs.
- “Bloody” chicken fingers.
- No-sugar pumpkin pie.
- Sugar-free cheesecake.
- Sugar-free gummy worms.
6. Drink In Moderation. Keep in mind that alcohol can affect your blood glucose levels. If you do plan to drink alcohol, try using mixers that aren’t sugar-filled, like soda water.
7. Make Alternative Traditions. Halloween traditions don’t have to revolve around candy. You can always start new Halloween traditions with your friends and loved ones that don’t involve sugar! Visit a corn maze, prepare healthy snacks for a horror movie night, or visit a haunted house.
While managing diabetes is critical for your health, remember that one night of Halloween indulgence won’t completely halt your progress! Remember to be mindful of candy consumption and carbohydrate counts, and closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have other concerns about how to enjoy Halloween safely.
Continuous Glucose Monitors Through Insurance
CGMs are devices that help you monitor your blood glucose levels anytime, anywhere, with a simple scan. The best part of CGMs is that those with diabetes may qualify for them through a Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plan with Aeroflow Diabetes.
To determine if you or your loved one qualifies for low-cost CGMs, fill out our Eligibility Form. We’ll verify your coverage shortly after you submit your information and send your CGMs straight to your door.
Disclaimer
Information provided on the Aeroflow Diabetes website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to diabetes care.
