For children with diabetes, going door-to-door trick-or treating and bringing home loads of candy can be scary. Medical students at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria will offer a fun, safe and information-filled alternative. This special annual event for local children with diabetes is an opportunity for kids to come in costume, enjoy fun games and activities with prizes and candy that contain the information needed to make knowledgeable choices and informed decisions to enjoy candy while responsibly controlling their diabetes.
Halloween Party for Children with Diabetes
Saturday, October 26 * 11 am – 2:30 pm
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP)
1 Illini Drive, Peoria
More than 100 costumed kids will attend the event which includes haunted house, crafts and activities, as well as nutrition education for the children and their families. The event is free.
About Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood-sugar levels. T1D develops when the insulin-producing pancreatic cells are destroyed by the body’s immune system.
- T1D must be managed with the use of insulin (either via injection or insulin pump). The disease requires constant management, specifically balancing insulin intake with eating, exercise and other activities. They must measure blood-sugar levels throughout the day with finger pricks or by wearing a continuous glucose monitor.
- 1.25 million Americans (200,000 youth under the age of 20) are living with T1D