Halloween . . . the one night of the year where kids can be anyone they dream of, adults loosen the rules and have fun, candy is abundant, and it’s ok to try to scare the little ones with ghost stories and scary masks. Not to mention all of us Southern girls get to decorate with pumpkins and fall leaves, drink pumpkin spice lattes, and pull out our winter boots (even though it’s usually about 80 degrees on Halloween here in the South, we wear our boots anyway).

What’s not to love about Halloween?

A lot, if your child has Type 1 Diabetes. The word Halloween strikes fear in my heart for completely different reasons. I’m scared of candy with no nutrition labels, parties with only pretzel sticks and M&Ms, and of course, the blood sugar highs and lows that come with a night of no routine.

Last year was the first Halloween Hugh experienced with Type 1. While I am by no means a veteran (I’m sure moms who have many more years under their belt can tell you much more), I did learn a few lessons that I would like to share. I hope this helps those of you who have children or grandchildren with Type 1, but also hope these tips apply to all parents who want their children to have a safe and happy Halloween.

Tip #1: Be Prepared

I can’t stress enough how important I feel it is to be prepared. Of course, we can’t be prepared for everything that might happen, but a little planning goes a long way. I try to print out or download candy nutritional facts to have on hand for Halloween night. JDRF has a helpful Halloween candy carb count list here.I also try to pack snacks that might be helpful if we experience some blood sugar swings. Cheese sticks and protein paks are great if Hugh’s blood sugar is high and he is craving something to eat. A 15 gram snack is helpful if Hugh is dropping low, but is not in the danger zone yet. Something with peanut butter or cheese is always a great snack. I also pack lots of water for the night. Running from house to house makes all the kids thirsty, but I draw the line at giving Hugh sugary drinks. I usually make him flavored water and every once in a while give him Coke Zero for a special treat (especially if all the other kids are drinking sodas and other fun drinks).
Planning the night’s events with your host is also very helpful. Calling a few days ahead of time to discuss what types of food will be served, what time the kids will trick or treat, etc. is not only helpful to you, but a thoughtful gesture toward your host. She/He might not have everything planned out, but at least they know you will be attending and you have thought about the night’s events. It does take a little bit of extra work to plan ahead and it can be stressful at times, but I always say it is worth it. Hugh doesn’t know the planning that takes place before an event, and he shouldn’t have to. It’s my job as his mom to take care of these things ahead of time so he can have a fun and carefree night!

Tip #2: Offer To Bring Food

There is no better way to ensure there will be something at a party that Hugh can eat than to offer to bring something myself. I usually offer to bring pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, etc. That way, I know Hugh will be getting some type of substantial food that will keep him full and happy (and I also know the carb count). I ALWAYS bring enough for everyone, not just Hugh. I don’t want him to be singled out as eating something different and we love to share!

Tip #3: Don’t Make it Complicated for Others

Hugh’s Type 1 diabetes is my responsibility, not others. I don’t expect to go to a party and for the host to have everything Hugh needs. Whether it is a church function, private home party, or school activity, I provide what Hugh needs to eat and drink. Of course, many people are thoughtful and ask if there is anything they can provide for Hugh. But, I usually decline and let them know that Hugh can eat most anything the other kids can eat. If he needs anything extra, I bring it.

Tip #4: Trick-or-Treat First

Most kids are eager to start trick-or-treating and I’m ok with letting Hugh trick-or-treat first and eat supper second. The reason I do this is because after Hugh eats his meal, I let him pick two or three pieces of candy for dessert. That way, I can give Hugh the insulin to cover his food and his candy all in one shot.

Tip #5: Have Fun!

Ok, I know this is easy to say, but not always easy to do. But as you are planning for Halloween, try to keep in mind that one night is not going to ruin everything. Hugh might have high blood sugar when he goes to bed, but we correct it and move on. I want Hugh to be a kid and to enjoy this special night with his friends. If that means allowing him to eat a few more pieces of candy, so be it. Halloween only rolls around once a year and I am not going to make it into a night of rules and regulations. Here in the South (and especially in Louisiana), we can turn anything into a party. Just bring together good friends, good food, and a few ghost stories – preferably told in a Cajun accent – and the good times start rolling. Diabetes or not.

Happy Haunting, Ya’ll!