Elder Care Cafe

With Halloween right around the corner, this is a good time to review the low down as to what sweets are okay for diabetics and which are not. As we all know, tricks and treats are not always for children. Adults enjoy participating in this yearly event as well. Many costume parties are held for adults with games, contests, and, of course, food. Although the terms diabetics and Halloween candy wouldn’t seem like they could go together in one sentence, we are here to let you know with common sense and self-control, diabetics can join in on the fun.

The good news for diabetics is that candy is not necessarily off limits. Here are a few tips to help you safely enjoy this night of fright:

• Follow your regular meal plan. During the holiday, you should continue to follow your regular meal plan while factoring in what you can eat as a treat.
• Portion control still is the name of the game and allowing you a special treat or two that night should not disrupt your overall sugar levels. Many of the popular candies come in a mini size that will help you keep the portions down while you enjoy the taste.
• Read the labels. Check to see which candy has the lowest amount of fat. Also, chocolate candy containing nuts have a higher fat content.
• Sugar-free candy. Although you can eat sugar-free candy, that does not mean you can eat all you want. Everything in moderation is a good mantra to remember. Also, you do not need to only eat candy on Halloween night, you can have a small portion anytime your diet allows.
• Hard candy. Although hard candy does not contain fat, it is all sugar. That is why many people keep them handy in case their blood sugar drops. Allow one or two into your meal plan as a special snack on the holiday.

As with any type of article like this, you should ALWAYS check with you health care provider for your specific dietary requirements. Many adults enjoy Halloween along with the numerous youngsters who are out there trick-or-treating. Just because you are a diabetic does not mean that you have to forgo all festivities. Make the best choice for you by reading the nutritionlabels and only choosing those candies that are low in carbs and fat, and are of the right portion size for your dietary needs. Have fun knowing that diabetics and Halloween candy can mix for an enjoyable and safe holiday.