From Trick-or-Treating to Casts and Candy

The Trick-or-Treating Journey Begins

Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and candy, but for me, one particular Halloween night in 2019 turned into an unforgettable adventure. Little did I know that a simple night of trick-or-treating with my three young boys would take an unexpected turn, resulting in a broken ankle and a newfound appreciation for the importance of managing my blood sugar levels.

On that fateful Halloween night, Ben (my husband) was on a work trip, and my parents were in town, which turned out to be a life-saver. I decided to take my three boys, ages 2, 8, and 10, for a night of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. We met up with friends and embarked on our candy-hunting journey.

A Sugar Low and a Broken Ankle

As we made our way through the neighborhood, I began to feel the telltale signs of low blood sugar due to all the extra energy expenditure getting costumes on and walking from one house to the next. I realized that I needed a quick boost to keep going. So, I started snacking on some candy from my boys’ treat bags. 

As I continued walking and talking with friends, my balance became increasingly wobbly, and I tripped on a curb. Tripping over my own feet is a common sign that my blood sugar is dropping and I notice it more readily now. Low blood sugar often makes me feel tipsy, though I was completely sober that particular night.

So as I found myself sitting on the curb, my foot throbbing with pain, and trying to hide my discomfort, I decided to make my way back home. I asked a neighbor to take my older boys, leaving me with the youngest, as I hobbled up to my house. 

The next day, I went to the orthopedic doctor to confirm it was broken. I couldn’t help but wonder if my blood sugar had not dropped that night, I might have avoided this painful ordeal.

A Lesson Learned and a Safer Halloween Ahead

It’s a stark reminder of how life can be a chain of events, with one thing leading to another. In my case, low blood sugar led to tripping on a curb, which ultimately resulted in a broken ankle. I was in a cast for the next eight weeks, a less-than-ideal situation for a full-time working mom with three active boys.

Every Halloween, as the holiday festivities approach, I can’t help but reflect on that Halloween. It’s a reminder to stay vigilant about managing my blood sugar and keeping my feet steady beneath me. I have no desire to break any more bones, especially not on a night meant for fun and festivities. So, here’s to a much safer and more enjoyable Halloween 2023, free from unexpected mishaps, and full of treats, not tricks.