Halloween and Diabetes: Creating New Traditions Without Sacrificing Health

Halloween marks the beginning of a celebratory season filled with rich meals and sugar-filled treats.

And while the costumes, pumpkins, and community merriment can be exciting, blood sugar management can be tricky for individuals and families managing diabetes. The good news is that with a little planning and creativity, people living with diabetes can safely enjoy Halloween traditions.

At Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC), we understand the challenges you face during the holiday season. We’re here to support you with compassionate, practical solutions.

Read this blog to learn:

• Why Halloween can be challenging for those with diabetes
• Fun, diabetes-friendly traditions that still capture the spirit of the season
• Our Halloween health and safety tips
• How PVHC providers can support your diabetes care year-round 

Why Halloween can be tricky for people with diabetes

The challenge of candy and sugar overload

Did you know U.S. children consume about 675 grams of sugar on Halloween?
That’s over 4 cups of sugar.

For people with diabetes, a sudden influx of sugar can cause dangerous spikes in blood glucose. Even for adults, a single piece of candy can quickly turn into several, making it difficult to rebalance blood sugar levels.

Balancing blood sugar while celebrating

Halloween typically means more physical activity (like walking during trick-or-treating), irregular schedules, or skipped meals. All of these factors can negatively impact blood sugar control.

Planning ahead, carrying necessary diabetes supplies, and maintaining balance (not perfection) can help ensure your night is safe and enjoyable.

Diabetes-friendly Halloween traditions

Creative candy alternatives

Not every Halloween treat has to be edible. In fact, there are several small, festive Halloween candy alternatives for diabetics that can be just as exciting (And stress-free for parents). Ideas include:

• Glow sticks, bracelets, or light-up rings
• Temporary tattoos or stickers
• Mini craft kits
• Halloween-themed pencils, bookmarks, or erasers
• Fidget toys
• Bubbles

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) 1 in 13 children have food allergies or special dietary needs. FARE’s global initiative, The Teal Pumpkin Project, helps make Halloween fun for everyone by offering several non-food alternatives.

Hosting activity-based celebrations

This year, you can also try shifting focus away from candy, making Halloween more inclusive and memorable. Try these fun hosting celebrations:

• Pumpkin-carving contest
• A neighborhood costume fashion show or parade
• A local scavenger hunt
• An obstacle course for kids and adults
• A blind taste test game

Healthy recipe swaps

Halloween doesn’t have to mean avoiding treats altogether. With a few easy swaps, individuals and families can enjoy a selection of tasty, sugar-free treats and portion-controlled snacks. Here are a few examples:

• Sugar-free gelatin cups
• Air-popped popcorn
• Mini veggie cups and hummus
• Cheese sticks
• Dark chocolate squares (in moderation and portion-controlled)
• Baked apple chips with cinnamon

Tips for parents of children with diabetes

Pre-planning for trick-or-treating

Here are a few diabetes-friendly Halloween tips to help get you and your family off to a healthy start:

• Eat three balanced meals.
• Stay hydrated.
• Pack low-carb snacks and water for trick-or-treating.
• Set expectations with your child about how many pieces of candy they can enjoy each day.

Practicing moderation without guilt

No food should feel completely off limits, even for those who need to monitor their blood sugar levels. Allowing yourself or your child to choose a few favorite pieces and donating or trading the rest for something perceived as more valuable can help everyone enjoy the holiday and manage their health.

Teaching kids to make healthy choices

Halloween is a great time to set expectations and help your child to understand how certain foods and snacks can affect their blood sugar. Encourage your child to read food labels, understand serving sizes, and make healthy choices.

It’s also the perfect time to model healthy behavior by eating treats in moderation and maintaining a neutral attitude toward Halloween candy.

Staying safe in Pomona Valley

Local community events that aren’t candy-focused

Pomona Valley offers fun Halloween events that focus less on candy. Here are a few healthy Halloween ideas for diabetics:

• 10^th Annual Haunted House at Palomares
• Village Venture Arts & Crafts Festival
• LIGHTS OUT at Fairplex
• Pomona Police Department “Spooktacular” Halloween Celebration
• Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival
• City of Chino Halloween Spooktacular

Safety reminders

Be prepared with these Halloween safety tips for diabetes:

• Bring a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and fast-acting glucose to treat potential lows.
• Check blood sugar levels before heading out, regularly throughout the evening, and overnight.
• Wait until returning home to eat any candy.
• Bring healthy snacks that are high in protein and fat to help prevent hypoglycemia from increased physical activity.
• Bring water to stay hydrated.

How PVHC supports families with diabetes

Pomona Valley Health Centers offer personalized diabetes care plans, nutrition counseling, and access to local diabetes education programs to help you and your loved ones live healthier, more balanced lives.

Schedule an appointment with a PVHC provider for personalized diabetes management, guidance, and support.

FAQs

Can people with diabetes eat Halloween candy?

Yes, most diabetics can enjoy a few pieces of Halloween candy safely. However, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider or specialist to discuss how to safely manage glucose levels as sugar intake and physical activity levels will most likely fluctuate.

Planning ahead with your provider, counting carbohydrates, and balancing with healthy meals can allow many individuals with diabetes to enjoy a few treats without compromising their health.

What are some diabetes-friendly Halloween snacks?

There are several diabetes-friendly Halloween treats, including:

• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Vegetable trays with hummus
• Several types of nuts
• Mini popcorn bags
• Apple slices and peanut butter
• Dark chocolate (in moderation and portion controlled)
• Greek yogurt with berries
• Sugar-free cookies

Are there local Halloween events in Pomona Valley that focus less on candy?

Yes, several family-friendly Halloween events in Pomona Valley focus on fun rather than candy, such as the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival and the Village Venture Arts & Crafts Festival.