Special Occasions

Having diabetes should not get in the way of enjoying special occasions, like parties and vacations. With a little bit of planning, your child can care for her diabetes wherever she goes.

Parties

Your child doesn't have to give up parties or birthday cake because of diabetes. But you both need to plan for those extra treats. Before you can plan, you need to know what will happen at the party. What kind of snacks will be served? When will the kids eat? What other activities are planned? Depending on age, you or your child can ask these questions of the party's host (or the host's parents).

Your child has several options as you and he plan for the event. You may opt to increase her insulin dose slightly that day. Or she could exercise a little more than usual. If the party includes exercise (like roller-skating or laser tag), she may be able to eat a little more without taking extra insulin.

If the party is more centered around food and sit-down activities (like a pizza dinner, with birthday cake for dessert, then an evening watching videos and munching on chips and popcorn), your child may have to choose just a few treats to indulge in. Another option is to supply him with some healthy snacks to take to the party (make enough to share). She can munch on popcorn or reduced-fat chips instead of candy bars or regular chips. She may even find that her friends want to sample her snacks.

It's a good idea to check your child's blood glucose before she leaves for the party. Depending on how long the party lasts and the time of day, she may need to check at some point during the party. One option is to decide ahead of time how many treats (and what kind) she can have depending on her blood glucose level. (You may even want to jot down a "crib sheet" to remind her of her options.) Talk to a diabetes educator or dietitian for more on fitting special occasions into diabetes care.

Halloween Tips for Parents & Kids

For many families, October brings thoughts of witches, ghosts, and goblins. Not to mention candy, gooey treats and parties! For families living with diabetes, Halloween presents entirely different issues. As a parent of a child with diabetes, you may wonder whether your child can participate in Halloween activities.