The year I was diagnosed with diabetes, my parents made me donate all of my Halloween candy. They may have let me keep a few pieces, but my pillow case full of tempting treats was donated to kids who did not have the opportunity to trick-or-treat. I understood why my parents were making me do this, but secretly I still was pretty angry and sad. It wasn’t fair. Why did I have to give away my candy? None of my friends had to. After all, Halloween is all about the candy, or so I thought. The next year, instead of handing out candy, my parents decided to hand out little bags of pretzels. Yes, we became that house. Although it could have been worse, my dad is a dentist, at least we didn’t give out toothbrushes…

The next year I probably went out trick-or-treating with friends and was told that I could have the candy in moderation (which really is good advice for anyone). But honestly somewhere between that first Halloween with T1d and now, Halloween became about so much more than the candy.

Pumpkin Carving

Every year since I was little, my sister and I have carved our pumpkin with my grandpa. As we’ve become older, that tradition has become even more important and special.

Pumpkin Seeds

Seems kind of random, but I really enjoy cooking the pumpkin seeds and trying out different seasonings. This year I made some that were cinnamon sugar, some that were a Cajun type seasoning, and some plain salt ones. I also think I ate them all that same day. Oops.

Costumes!

I love making my Halloween costumes, and have gotten pretty creative over the years. I seem to especially enjoy dressing up as food items.

Candy will always be part of Halloween, but for me, Halloween is much more than that. And yes, it’s probably for the best that as a diabetic I am less focused on the massive amounts of sugar. But it doesn’t mean that I can’t still enjoy it. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of comments, assumptions, and jokes made about diabetics and candy and Halloween. But you know what, nothing is black and white with diabetes including how we celebrate candy filled holidays. I’ve found many reasons to love Halloween, and they have nothing to do with my diabetes. Although, Halloween candy is great for treating low blood sugars. So fellow T1Ds and everyone else, enjoy your Halloween! Carve your pumpkins, wear your costumes, eat your candy…or don’t! Just have fun!

Happy Halloween!