"It's been seven years and we're still educating ourselves. Everyday we learn something new," said Stacy Avangelista.

Avangelista’s two kids Tommy, 11, and Alexandra, 9, both have juvenile diabetes. They are on a very strict diet.

Navigating the sweetest season

Between now and New Year’s, people with diabetes must navigate a tempting course of sugar-centric festivities, maintaining a delicate nutritional balance against all odds. For those with juvenile diabetes, that can be even more difficult.

Since their bodies don't produce insulin, the hormone that helps process sugar, an insulin pump does the work for them. Tommy and Alexandra also have to monitor their blood sugar carefully and count their sugar and carbohydrate intake. During the holiday season, that becomes a little more difficult.

"It becomes a challenge sometimes with certain parties were kids are allowed to have as much of whatever they want. They really can't do that," said Avangelista.

Even during this tempting time of year, experts say there is a way to enjoy joy holiday treats in moderation.

"There are no forbidden foods as long as they know how to address the insulin that their child just took in, they'll be just fine," said Dr. Nicholas Jospe, a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Rochester.

Avangelista always brings snacks with her to keep a regular eating schedule away from home and she asks the school to provide sweets that have a label. For Avangelista and her kids, it's a lot of work, but it has become part of the routine.

"We can manage it. They can live normal lives. They can still do anything and everything out there and it's just our way of life," Avangelista added.