It can be difficult to count carbs at holiday meals, especially when served family-style. Here are some carb counts of common foods you might find on the Thanksgiving table this week. Photo: Pixabay For my American friends (and those who just like turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce and pie), here are carb counts of common Thanksgiving fare. Best practice is to look at the packages of the food you are making because it can vary. This chart is a quick reference especially if you find yourself at someone else’ t-day table and need to SWAG* the meal. Oh, and the next well-intentioned person ..read more

Summary: Is sugary candy like Smarties or Skittles an alternative to juice or glucose tabs for treating low blood sugar in children with type 1 diabetes? When our child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, we stocked up with juice boxes, glucose tabs, cake icing gel, and of course glucagon. We almost always reach for a juice box when we needed to treat a low. But then last Halloween during our trick-or-treating excursion, which included both excitement and lots and lots of walking and running, Q went low. He asked if he could have some candy and I reached into his heavy pumpkin-shaped bag and ..read more

As parents of children with type 1 diabetes, we can empathize with parents of children with food allergies. This is why D-Mom Blog supports the Teal Pumpkin Project to notify parents and their kids that we have non-candy Halloween treats. Image Copyright D-Mom Blog “Every child should be able to experience the joy and tradition of trick-or-treating on Halloween. But kids with food allergies are often left out of the fun, since most candy is off limits.” Sound familiar? The first Halloween after a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can be particularly tough on both the child and her pare ..read more

Here are some tricks and tips for enjoying Halloween with type 1 diabetes. Learn how to make school parties and trick-or-tricking go more smoothly. Halloween is probably our family’s favorite holiday. We spend the entire month of October going to various activities, including the pumpkin patch, the spooked-out zoo, parties, and of course, trick-or-treating. When our son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a young child, we wondered how it would affect our enjoyment of the holiday. I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Halloween is a huge bag full of candy! I assur ..read more

Summary: Instead of handing out candy, why not consider handing out non-candy treats, which are a great option for kids with food allergies, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes. (Of course, some candy is okay!) Image Copyright D-Mom Blog I don’t deny my child with diabetes candy. All things in moderation. Let kids enjoy childhood rites of passage such as haunting the neighborhood on All Hollow’s Eve. So for parents looking for some alternatives for class parties, to hand out to trick-or-treaters, or to swap out for some of your child’s giant stash, here are some non-candy ideas that my kids ..read more

Summary: Your end-of-the-school-year checklist for students with diabetes should include: gathering diabetes supplies, thanking the school nurse, and taking stock of any updates that might be needed in your student with diabetes’ 504 plan. School ends this week for our family. I know this may be too late for some of you, but as I made a mental note of things I needed to take care of at school this week regarding my child’s diabetes, I thought I would share some of my to-do list with you. Gather Supplies If you are like us, you have a gazillion diabetes supplies stored at school. Time to schl ..read more

Your child has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and now you need to tell others. When it’s time to tell other children, family, and caregivers, look to these tips I shared in my book Kids First, Diabetes Second. Sharing the Diagnosis It’s natural for friends and family to want to call or stop by in those first weeks after the diagnosis. They only want to help, but you may be too busy trying to figure out how you’re going to keep your child healthy to deal with a flurry of visitors. It’s okay to ask friends to hold off on visits until you get a handle on things. When you’re ready, here ..read more

Here are over 100 non-candy Easter basket ideas for kids with type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, or food allergies. Or just for parents who don’t want to load their kids up with candy and sugar! Photo: Pixabay   I know you are fretting about what to give your child with type 1 diabetes or food allergies this Easter. Perhaps it’s your first Easter dealing with this medical condition and your anxiety is on high. Don’t worry. You’ve got this. Your child with diabetes or food allergies can have just as much fun because candy doesn’t have to be the focus. (And even before our own child’s diagn ..read more

I know it sounds cliché but a positive attitude can go a long way. When diabetes management is getting the best of you, think about these tips I shared in my book Kids First, Diabetes Second.   Please enjoy this excerpt from the book… CHAPTER ELEVEN: Your Support System A Positive Outlook Dealing with diabetes day in and day out can really take a toll on a parent. We are exhausted from disrupted sleep schedules, zombie our way through workdays, and somehow juggle the activities and demands of family life. At times, it can be overwhelming, but having a strong support system can help ..read more

Introduction to the book Kids First, Diabetes Second written by Leighann Calentine sharing advice for parenting a child with type 1 diabetes. Since it’s the beginning of a new year, this month I thought I would share the very beginning of my book Kids First, Diabetes Second with you. The introduction gives a little bit of the background of the book and the tone it takes. It’s not a medical book, but it is full of tips and tricks to help you get through and hopefully, you will find a book full of support, especially if your child is newly diagnosed. Introduction I’m a parent just like you. I’m ..read more