Type 2 Diabetes Management

Type 2 diabetes management tips for Halloween kids

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Lu Young RN

Halloween is right around the corner and it seems like it is the season to eat candy. Candy can play havoc with blood sugar so follow these type 2 diabetes management tips for Halloween kids and stay healthy.

You’ll find it at every doorstep on Halloween by the bucketful, which can lead to bad habits. Nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese, and one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes.

“Usually one little snack bar is 70 to 120 calories depending on what type of a candy bar it is and what the size is,” said Marquette nutritionist, Michele Boehmer.

Nutritionists say you can curb candy eating by handing out healthier, but still desirable, treats including yogurt-covered pretzels, lower fat licorice, dried fruits and 100 calorie snack packs.

But some of our Facebook fans disagree with taking the treats out of trick-or-treating. Heather Hicks-Anderson posted: “I know it was no fun getting fruit or juice in my bucket. Why take the fun out of it for the kids? We did it as children and survived all the sugar.”

That’s true, but nutritionists say kids today aren’t as active.

“Twenty to 30 years ago, we didn’t have those palm pilots, and little DS’s and things that. Kids sit a lot more and do things rather than moving for their activities,” Boehmer said.

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Here is a list of treats that are lower in fat and sugar and may provide some vitamins and fiber. Give these treats out for a slightly healthier alternative to sugary candy bars for your type 2 diabetes management tips for Halloween kids.

• snack packets of dried fruit, baked pretzels, nut and seeds
• individual packages of crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling
• animal crackers
• gold fish or graham crackers
• 100 calorie packs of various products (cookies, cheesy crackers, etc)
• individual boxes of raisins
• sugar-free gum or hard candy
• single-serve packets of low-fat microwave popcorn
• sugar-free hot chocolate or apple cider packets

You can help keep your child’s blood glucose under control with these type 2 diabetes management tips for Halloween kids.