Diabetes Candy Exchanges
Candy is not good on a daily basis for any child, not just children with diabetes. Candy does not provide vitamins or minerals, is not healthy for teeth, and in the form of chocolate, can add extra fat. However, small amounts of candy can fit into a diabetic meal plan in the form of a starch, fruit, or carbohydrate exchange.
The following servings of candy have 15 grams (1 serving) of carbohydrate:
|
M&Ms, plain or peanut |
1 fun size bag |
|
Twix bar |
1 fun size |
|
Starburst |
4 pieces |
|
Mars, Milky Way, or Three Musketeers |
1 fun size |
|
Hershey Kisses or Hugs |
5 pieces |
|
Gummy bears |
8 pieces |
|
Hershey mini chocolate bars (with almonds, Krackle, or dark chocolate) |
3 |
|
Tootsie Pop |
1 |
|
Tootsie Roll midgees |
3 |
|
Charms Blow Pop |
1 |
|
Kit Kat |
1/2 of large or 1 fun size |
|
Baby Ruth |
1 fun size |
|
Butterfinger |
1 fun size |
|
Nestle Crunch |
1 fun size |
|
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup |
2 small |
|
SweeTarts |
8 pieces |
|
Jujyfruits |
8 pieces |
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Never use chocolate candy to treat low blood sugar. The fat in chocolate can slow digestion, making you feel like you have low blood sugar, and causing you to eat more. Then blood sugar can end up too high.
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Candy is never recommended as an exchange for the bedtime snack. Fruits and starches are more healthy and will give a better blood sugar throughout the night.
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As parents, you know your child best. Sometimes it's better to not have candy in the house at all.