It is estimated that there are over 4 million people in the UK living with diabetes, including those who are undiagnosed. That’s a lot of people, adults and children alike, potentially feeling a little left out at this time of year…
Halloween!
It’s a time for fancy dress parties and cobwebs, spooky stories and fake blood, but most importantly – sweets!
We might not be as batty for Halloween as our friends across the pond but this spooktacular holiday certainly holds a place in the hearts of children and adults alike, especially when it comes to sweets. You don’t have to look very far to find supermarket shelves stacked floor to ceiling with massive share bags of nation’s favourite goodies. It is more than tempting, and the scene of scoffing leftover sweets not given away to Trick or Treaters is one many of us are all too familiar with.
But what if too much sugar (let’s put aside too little for the moment) had a very serious impact on your health? What if this Halloween you are closely monitoring your glucose levels? What if, on this holiday of all things sugar-filled, you are a diabetic?
A healthier approach
Halloween can still be filled with fun and treats no matter your age or blood sugar needs! Here are a few ideas we’ve pulled together to help you enjoy the spirit of Old Hallow’s Eve and still look after yourself.
- Trick or treat yourself
Wait until you've got low glucose levels to have a few of your favourite sweet treats. As an extra tip, low-fat sweets like Skittles work best - Make a trade
If a diabetic child is 'trick or treating,' get them to trade in some sweets for other exciting treats like family days out. And if you're giving out treats, hand them things like Halloween-themed stationery or small toys (eyeball bouncy balls are always fun!) - It's not all about the sweets
Get stuck-in with other Halloween activities that don't revolve around eating sweets. How about an evening of pumpkin carving, watching scary films, decorating or doing some crafts? - Donate your treats
If you've got leftover sweets, give them to children's hospitals or homeless shelters.
- Remove the temptation
If you're buying sweets for 'trick or treaters,' buy kinds that you don't like so you're not tempted to snack on the leftovers. - Diabetes-friendly
Supermarkets usually have free-from ranges that are suitable for diabetics.
The Evergreen Life app
If you like having your health information at your fingertips, you can also use the Evergreen Life personal health record app which will enable you to:
- Book doctor's appointments, order repeat prescriptions and download your GP record
- Keep track of and monitor your glucose levels
- Record all of your medications and set reminders for when to take them
- Store all of your medical documents
- Track various health and body measurements such as waist to hip ratio and blood pressure
- Share your health information with loved ones and/or trusted health care providers
