Trick or Treat What kids with diabetes should look out for on Halloween

Even children with diabetes are allowed to snack on Halloween

Pumpkins, scary costumes and kids asking for sweets: Halloween is coming. Even if it is usually a lot of fun for the little ones to pull from house to house and shout "Trick or treat", children with diabetes should be careful that evening. They may already snack, but the amount of carbohydrates consumed should be kept in mind.

In the meantime Halloween is being celebrated in this country as well

On the night of the 31st of October, many people in this country will be celebrating Halloween-related US horrors. Especially children dress up as witches, monsters and skeletons, move from house to house and ask: "trick or treat?". Of course, children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes may also snack on occasions such as Halloween, but they should keep an eye on the amount of carbohydrates, the nonprofit organization diabetesDE - German Diabetes Aid says in a statement.

More and more children in Germany suffer from diabetes. Despite their illness, they also want to and should participate in the normal activities of their peers - this also applies to Halloween when they receive sweets. (Image: rkris / fotolia.com)

Number of children with diabetes is increasing

More and more children are suffering from diabetes. In total, 31,000 children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 have diabetes type 1 in this country.

The increase in obesity, malnutrition and lack of exercise also means that the acquired type 2 form of diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents.

According to the German Diabetes Aid, about 200 new type 2 diseases occur annually in Germany in patients between the ages of twelve and 19 years.

Despite their illness, they also want to and should be able to participate in the normal activities of their peers - this also applies to Halloween, when children disguised by their neighbors ring and receive sweets.

Keep an eye on the amount of carbohydrates

Sweets and snacks for children and adolescents with diabetes are generally not taboo.

However: "For children with type 1 diabetes, it is important not to lose track of the amount of carbohydrates to calculate the correct insulin dose and inject," says Michaela Berger, board member diabetesDE - German Diabetes Help.

"Because her body no longer produces insulin that lowers blood sugar."

In contrast, the pancreas of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes usually produces insulin, only the cells are less sensitive to the hormone.

"Obese children with type 2 diabetes should therefore pay attention to the calories during the Halloween treat," adds the diabetes consultant. "Of course, healthy children should not eat too many sugary and fatty snacks."

Anyone who is prepared to visit a small Halloween enthusiast or even organizes a whole Halloween party can give children a treat with other gifts as well:

"Whole wheat instead of white flour pastry or something completely different, such as a small toy or colorful crayons can be alternatives," says Michaela Berger. (Ad)