In anticipation of Halloween, I was asked if I would like to write a guest blog about how I handle the candy-filled holiday as an adult with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
The truth is that at 26, with no children or trick-or-treaters, I can more easily avoid candy than some others. But, even for me, Halloween means a month where candy is just about everywhere.
Once I was diagnosed, at the age of 21, I had to give up candy (for the most part). I did it for my health—there wasn’t much in the way of a choice in the matter—but the undeniable truth is that eating candy is less fun when it must be accompanied by an injection.
The sacrifices and challenges of having T1D extend far beyond giving up sweets. Nonetheless, being surrounded by candy for the better part of October can, at times, serve as a reminder of the new life I’ve been forced to live. Every so often, I’ll find myself noticing that a friend is eating candy without first having taken a shot. For a split second, I’ll wonder why that is, before I snap back to reality and remember that my friend doesn’t live with the constraints I do now.
Still, since being diagnosed five years ago, I have realized the importance of focusing on the positives of my life. When I realize I’m feeling upset over something diabetes-related, I try my best to remind myself of the many things I have to be grateful for. While living with diabetes presents me with additional challenges that I must face every day, it has not limited the things that I can do or the activities I still enjoy.
In line with this outlook, I deal with Halloween by focusing on the festivities. I make it a point to take as much pleasure as ever in dressing up and enjoying a night with friends. When I think about it, that is the best part of Halloween for me anyways.
