Halloween: A Sweet Strategy for Treating Hypoglycemia and a Sweet Tooth.

As a dietitian, I know that holidays can bring some anxiety with high blood sugar. The silver lining of Halloween is that most houses pass out miniature candies. When you feel your blood sugar dropping, miniature candies can be a good source of sugar, but choosing the right ones is essential. These miniature candies are also much easier to fit into your diet without large spikes in blood sugar. Knowing how to fit these into your diet can allow you to enjoy the holiday without anxiety.

What to look for when choosing Candies to treat Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL. It’s essential to treat it quickly with fast-acting carbohydrates. These candies should be low in fat and fiber as these slow down absorption. To treat hypoglycemia, look for 15 grams for blood sugar between 70 and 50 and 30 grams for blood sugar under 50. Some Halloween candies can provide a quick and portable source of glucose, making them ideal for those moments when you need to raise your blood sugar in a hurry.

Best Halloween Candy for Treating Low Blood Sugar

Here are a few types of candy that are not only delicious but effective in treating hypoglycemia:

1. Skittles

   • A small pack of Skittles is portable and easy to store. They contain about 15 grams of carbohydrates in just one fun-size pack, making them perfect for a quick glucose boost.

2. Starburst

   • Another fruity option, four Starburst candies deliver around 16 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. They’re easy to carry; you can even portion them out in advance.

3. Smarties

   • These tiny tart candies contain dextrose, a form of glucose. A roll of Smarties delivers around 6 grams of carbs, so two rolls should be enough to treat a mild hypoglycemic episode.

4. Life Savers

   • Four Life Saver candies provide around 15 grams of carbohydrates. You can get individually wrapped ones or in a roll. The flavor doesn’t change the carbohydrate amount, so pick your favorite. These are great if you want a sweet treat, as just one is just under 4 grams of carbs and can last quite a while.

5. Jelly Belly Jellybeans

   • 1 min bag has 14 grams of carbs, the perfect size to fit in your pocket but also to treat low blood sugar.

6. Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers

   • 1 teat size pouch has 13 grams of carbohydrates for those who prefer sour candies over sweet.

7. Gummy Bears

   • 3 mini bags of Haribo bears are 23 grams of carbohydrates. 1 bag of Albanese is 10 grams of carbohydrates. Just stick to the portion size, as eating too many is easy!

8. Werther’s Original

   • For the old souls, 3 candies have 14 grams of carbohydrates, making them an easy source of sugar.

Halloween Candy to Avoid for Hypoglycemia Treatment

Not all candies are created equal when treating low blood sugar. Some take longer to break down or don’t contain enough carbohydrates to make a meaningful impact. Here’s what to avoid:

• Chocolate: While delicious, chocolate contains fat, which slows the absorption of sugar. It’s not the best choice when you need to raise your blood sugar quickly. So skip the Milky Way, Snickers, Reese’s, Twix, or KitKat when correcting blood sugar.

• Candy with Nuts: Like chocolate, candy with nuts has fat and protein that can slow down sugar absorption. Save the Snickers, Payday, or Almond Joy for when your blood sugar is stable.

• Sugar-Free Candy: Sugar-free options often contain sugar alcohols, which won’t raise blood sugar quickly enough in the event of hypoglycemia. They can also affect your bowels if you eat too many. Great for online comedy, not great for real life.

Preparing for Halloween

Before the Halloween festivities begin, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place. Here are a few tips:

• Check Blood Sugar Frequently: Monitor your blood sugar more frequently during times of excitement and possible changes in activity levels.

• Carry Fast-Acting Carbs: Whether it’s glucose tablets or a fun-size candy pack, always have a quick source of sugar on hand.

• Inform Friends and Family: If you’re attending Halloween parties or events, tell others you may need a quick glucose boost if you feel low.

• Only keep the ones you like: Go through and throw out (or give away) candies you don’t truly love. It’s not worth it if you don’t enjoy them.

• Out of sight, out of mind: To avoid mindless snacking, put them in a place where you have to intentionally go to get them.

• Make a game of it: See how long you can make your stash last.

• Go the non-candy route: Ask for non-candy options when trick-or-treating to help limit the temptation. Many houses have started giving out small toys or stickers instead of candy for those with diabetes or food allergies.

A Sweet Reminder

While it’s tempting to indulge in Halloween treats, remember that these candies are most helpful when used to manage hypoglycemia or as a quick fix for that sweet tooth. When used correctly, they can help you stay safe and balanced, allowing you to enjoy the holiday with peace of mind.

Stay prepared, and have a happy, spooky, and safe Halloween!