
First things first!
When I was growing up as a child with type 1 diabetes, I was often told that I couldn't eat sugar. In fact, I was told the only sugar I should be having is from fruit or glucose tablets as needed to treat low blood sugar. I remember being afraid of living outside of these restrictions for the first few years after my type 1 diabetes diagnosis at 10 years old. I closely obeyed the instructions I was given.
This undoubtedly fostered a toxic relationship with food for me as a teen but that's for another blog! As an adult living with type 1 diabetes, I now know there is room for all foods in a balanced diet while living with this disease. For myself, I have often found the key is moderation. And I want you to know that, too—whether for yourself or your kiddo(s)!
Let's say it loudly—there is room for ALL foods in a life with diabetes.
This post will focus on the light side of diabetes—how kiddos with type 1 can enjoy Valentine's treats or use them as low blood sugar treatments year-round!Â
So parents, if you are questioning whether you can give your kids with type 1 diabetes Valentine's treats, let me be the first to say there is no shame or guilt in treating them. They just have to know how to manage their insulin for the foods they're consuming.Â
You got this! Now let's live and enjoy...

1. Welch's Fruit Snacks
Welch's fruit snacks are much beloved in the type 1 diabetes community by parents and children or adults living with diabetes. God knows I have some in my purse for on-the-go! For Valentine's Day, the brand makes Valentine's pouches that contain fruit snacks shaped like hearts. How cute! You might even try Welch's Juicefuls Strawberry and Cherry Heart Throbs for an extra splash of flavor!Â
Welch's Juicefuls Heart Throbs
Welch's Fruit Snacks Valentine's Pouches contain 10g of carbohydrates per pouch and so do Welch's Juicefuls Strawberry and Cherry Heart Throbs.
Your kids are sure to love them for low blood sugar treatment, as little treats, or to pass out to other kids at school. Did I mention they're signable, too? How fun!
I'd typically use 10g of carbohydrate to treat a low if I were sitting between 65 to 70 mg/dL and had a straight arrow appearing on my continuous glucose monitor (CGM) graph. That's what works for me as an adult living with type 1 diabetes but you or your kiddo may require something different!
Or, if I were having these Welch's fruit snack varieties as a treat and my blood sugar was within my preferred range, I would typically pre-bolus for these with one unit of fast-acting insulin.
2. Fruit Gushers
These are a bit of a blast from the past but your kids are sure to love the nostalgia as much as you! For some reason, they always give me "Hey Arnold" vibes. What about you? Tropical Gushers like this (pictured above) contain 18g of carbohydrates per pouch. I typically go for 18g of carbohydrates if my blood sugar is around 60 mg/dL and going slightly down or down according to my CGM graph.
As always, I will start a low blood sugar treatment and then wait 15 minutes before treating again if needed. Lots of folks still closely follow the 15-15 rule!
Or, if I were having Fruit Gushers as a treat and my blood sugar was within my preferred range, I would typically pre-bolus for these with two units of fast-acting insulin.
3. Skittles Valentine Exchange
Valentine's Day is a good time for you and your family to stock up on low blood sugar treatments as many stores will discount candies like Skittles after the holiday. Again, I love the fact that you can sign these! Even after Valentine's Day, you could write your kiddo encouraging notes on these if you keep them in your pantry year-round. Consider the creative possibilities! Skittles Valentine Exchange pouches contain 14g of carbohydrates per pouch.
Or, if I were having Skittles as a treat and my blood sugar was within my preferred range, I would typically pre-bolus for these with 1.5 units of fast-acting insulin thanks to my InPen, which allows for half units!
4. Pure Organic Fruit Bars

For my mamas and kiddos impacted by type 1 diabetes who love natural flavors and ingredients, I can't recommend Pure Organic Fruit Bars enough! They are 13g of carbohydrates per pack. They fit nicely in your purse or your kiddo's backpack and are great for a low blood sugar treatment. I'd reach for a pack of these if I were sitting between 61 to 63 mg/dL and my arrow read straight on my CGM graph.
As a kid, I would've also eaten something like this as a pre-exercise (or pre-recess) pick-me-up if my blood sugar patterns indicated that I tended to drop low during exercise without having something like this first.
Or, if I were having Pure Organic Fruit Bars as a treat and my blood sugar was within my preferred range, I would typically pre-bolus for these with 1.5 units of fast-acting insulin thanks to my InPen, which allows for half units! Costco has a a great deal on a bulk pack, too, if you're into the zoo. 😉
5. Maui Punch Fun Dip
Last but not least, I offer you Maui Punch Fun Dip! This flavor is 11g of carbohydrates per pouch. So for me, I'd grab this if I were sitting between 61 to 63 mg/dL again with a straight or slightly down arrow showing on my CGM. Why? Because I know something like Fun Dip will boost my blood sugars very quickly! Whereas, Bear fruit rolls tend to raise my blood sugars a little more slowly but still effectively.
Fun Dip is another piece of nostalgia for parents on top of being an effective treat or low blood sugar treatment for your kiddos! Is it me or do these give a "Rugrats" vibe?
Time to activate Saturday morning cartoon mode, families! Get your PJs and comfy socks ready!
You can find many of the treats listed above at grocery stores like Walmart, Aldi, Costco, Target, and more.
Or, if I were having these as a treat and my blood sugar was within my preferred range, I would typically pre-bolus for Fun Dip with one unit of fast-acting insulin.
One last thing...
Enjoy this Valentine's Day with your loved ones, and remember that nothing is off limits with diabetes—it's just another thing you have to calculate into life's equation!
Sending love far and wide to you and your families this February. You got this!
DISCLAIMERS:
The author is not a medical doctor. No information shared in this post should be constituted as medical advice. Always consult a physician when it comes to your health or your family member's health.
This post links to articles from Beyond Type 1, an organization where the author is currently employed full-time. All views and opinions expressed in this article and others posted on this website do not reflect the views and opinions of others.