Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Easter are all the same to me – a candy driven holiday. You can’t go into a store or even the pharmacy for that matter without being bombarded with isles and isles of candy. Growing up with T1D, this isle was torture! I didn’t really care about the candy, but I “had” to refrain which made me feel isolated from my peers. Well, I’ve changed my tune and created a list of ideas and tips PWDs can appreciate… and it includes chocolate.
Unique Gift Ideas:
- Purchase a T1Dexposed Calendar – The Nude Diabetes Advocacy Project was created to promote awareness, connect people living with T1D, and fundraise for both local and global diabetes organizations.
- Dark Chocolate – Word on the street it’s one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. Studies show that dark chocolate (not the sugary crap) can improve health and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Make a Donation to the Spare A Rose Campaign – Show your love and help save the lives of children with diabetes in the developing world.
I’m a bit of a do-gooder and completely understand if these ideas don’t appeal to you. No guilt or shame should you make the journey down the chocolate isle, but I think you should consider a few tips to ensure a smooth sailing Valentine’s Day.
Tips:
- DO NOT, and I mean DO NOT purchase sugar free candy. Every PWD knows sugar free = laxative so unless you want to spend V-Day in the restroom, purchase the real thing.
- Stock the nightstand with low BG reserves – especially if you’re sporting new lingerie. Sex can lower your blood sugar so stock up on Glucotabs and/or whatever low BG snack you fancy.
- Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to the caramel filled ball of chocolate or extra glass of champagne, but remember to keep a closer eye on things. Test more often should you decide to splurge a bit.
- No guilt or shame! The holiday should be about sharing yourself with someone you love and not be centered around what a T1D “should or shouldn’t be” doing.
