TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT

Here we go again, another holiday that I look forward to every year that revolves around food and not just any food-candy! Since being diagnosed with type one diabetes I have quickly become aware of how many things are centred around food. Whether it is someones birthday, a holiday celebration, a team pot luck or a get together with friends, it is always about food. It’s kind of like when you get a new shiny red car and all of the sudden you see that exact same shiny red car everywhere-all I see now is food!

So this Halloween I have the choice to be mad and feel sorry for myself or to focus on all of the other fun things that go along with this holiday besides candy. I love to dress up, be with my friends and go trick or treating because there is something very magical about Halloween night. Whether it is seeing everyone on the streets running around in their costumes, or listening to the sounds of kids talking and laughing it is always so much fun. There is no way I am going to let type one diabetes keep me from missing out on all of the excitement this year!

I realize that not all kids with type one diabetes are following the same diet and that there are many factors that might limit people in different ways. Things like if you have a pump or you have just been diagnosed with T1D can affect whether you have to set limits or try to avoid sugar completely. I have only had T1D for 8 months which isn’t long when it comes to adjusting to this new lifestyle. If I want to have a treat (or two) tonight I have to know exactly how many net carbs it has. Then I have to calculate the amount of insulin I need according to my blood glucose level, and a ratio that my endocrinologists are continually adjusting. If this sounds complicated that’s because it is.

For example if I wanted a mini pack of Skittles this is what I would have to do:

Check the net carbs which is the carbs less the fibre which is 14g

Check my blood glucose by pricking my finger

Run these 2 numbers against a sliding scale for my snacks which is currently 1:3 but is constantly changing (1 unit of insulin for every 3 net carbs)

Give myself an insulin injection and wait 15 minutes for it to reach my blood stream

Then I finally get to eat my Skittles while everyone else is half way through their candy!

So I have decided to have 1 dark chocolate Lindor which I know is 4g net carbs and some low carb gummy bears by SmartSweets which is 3g of net carbs. If I follow the steps this is 7g of net carbs so I should take around 2 units of insulin depending on what my blood glucose level is at the time.

Ever since I was diagnosed with T1D I have felt the need to try to help others. Someone told me about The Teal Pumpkin Project and I was so excited since it was a way give kids with special dietary needs the opportunity to get something other than candy when they go trick-or-treating. Not only do I get to create awareness but I also get to paint a pumpkin teal and make up little bags full of surprises.

THE TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT

FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) started a national campaign in 2014 called the Teal Pumpkin Project. Houses with a teal pumpkin or downloadable poster in their window are letting families know that they are handing out treats other than candy for kids with food restrictions such as allergies or diabetes. This does not mean that you can’t hand out candy as well but it is a sign of inclusiveness since they believed that every child should be able to have fun trick or treating on Halloween.

YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

If you would like to participate it’s easy.

Buy a pumpkin and paint it teal-it’s fun!
When you are buying your candy get some non-food items to hand out as well such as crayons, glow sticks, erasers, hair ties, bouncy balls (The Dollar Store is great for this).
Download a poster to display in your window to let everyone know that you have non-food treats available.
If you would like contribute but don’t have to to paint a pumpkin you can make a donation here!
Spread the word by using #tealpumpkinproject and talking to your neighbours, colleagues, family, and friends or change your Facebook cover photo
Add your neighbourhood to the interactive map so people know that you are participating!