Comment by Cathy Jacobson on October 31, 2009 at 11:03pm

I must be a Grinch, but why do we have to "give" out anything? Why not just turn off the light, shut your door, and give the money you would have spent on candy or toys to the local food bank? They can use it more, and surely kids don't need anymore candy or toys. We've done this since our kids quit trick or treating, about 20 years ago, and the good feelings and blessings far out way the "guilt" you might feel.

Comment by Michael Hoskins on October 31, 2009 at 11:36pm

It's not about the candy or toys, or any "giving" - it's about being a part of something that's fun for kids and families. If you don't want to, then don't - that's why you have the option of turning off a light or not answering the door. We give out candy. I've been a Type 1 diabetic for 25 years, since age 5 - so it's a way of life and I don't miss. Never have eaten much candy, as a result, but if I do, and usually do eat some on Halloween, I just adjust with more bolus. Was tougher with injections.

Comment by Suzanne on November 1, 2009 at 6:05am

You could always give out candy that you personally don't like, that way you won't want to eat it, hahaha! This year I went with smarties and lollipops so that the leftovers could be used for lows (smarties are made of the same stuff as glucose tabs but they taste better and have a better texture). If you do buy candy that you like, just bolus for it and enjoy yourself. Halloween comes once a year and it won't hurt you to treat yourself :)

I was diagnosed in the 80s and we were not allowed to have the candy at all back then. This made Halloween a guilt filled time of year for me as I would sneak candy and end up super high. This was before the days of carb counting.

Comment by Jimmie B on November 1, 2009 at 12:45pm

It is a strange holiday. We teach our kids to not accept candy or even approach strangers, yet many people take their kids to other neighborhoods to trick or treat. My daughter is almost 4 so I was carefull to only visit people that she actually recognizes so it was easier to explain the whole thing in a way that makes some sort of sense to her. Much easier than trying to explain the concept of "exceptions"

Comment by Jimmie B on November 1, 2009 at 12:52pm

As for the candy...it's really strange. I didn't like sweets or any sort (not even deserts) until just recently...after I was diagnosed! Strange how the brain works. Now that I am not supposed to have it, I crave it more :)

Comment by Steve Bulger on November 1, 2009 at 1:24pm

This is my first Halloween with diabetes, also, after 58 years of enjoying the scrumptious treats. It has been a challenge, but I have resisted temptation and stayed the course. I think that next year I'll have to either turn off the lights or go somewhere like to a movie or something.

Comment by Jimmie B on November 1, 2009 at 4:09pm

Way to go Steve! We should start an alternative Halloween tradition...like bobbing for peanuts, or handing out salad packs lol

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