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Strmchsr
09-03-2008, 10:31 AM
I've been working the last 2-3 months on something for the Info Central page with tips for diabetics in WDW. I would appreciate it if you would post here or PM me with all your best tips for dealing with WDW as a diabetic. When you give your tip, please be sure to note whether you're a type-1 or type-2 as handling those diseases is different in a lot of ways. Thanks so much for your participation!

luvdiznee
09-03-2008, 10:57 AM
Not sure if this is what you are looking for. But as far as DD11 who is a Type I diabetic, our main concern is just to carry emergency items (fruit snacks, small juice boxes, etc) on us at ALL times. Never know when you will get stuck in a line or just held up for whatever reason. Thank goodness that she has an insulin pump because she doesn't like too many sugar free type foods. So we don't even order them at meal times. If we are at one of the bakeries and they have them, she will give them a try. But our main thing is counting carbs. And of course checking her blood sugar regularly. This is what works for us. Hope it helps some. Looking forward to more tips. :thumbsup:

Jodi
09-08-2008, 09:45 PM
Both my DH and DD are Type 1 diabetics. DD seems to deal with it much better that DH does. The diet has changed significantly since DH and DD were diagnosed. DH in 1992 and DD in 2001. DD likes sweets, therefore covers any snack, ie...ice cream or bakery with insulin, no problem. It would be nice if WDW had more sugar free sodas, such as Sprite, but, we all are good with adding the flavor packets to bottled water as it seems to quench the thirst better. Besides, once soda is warm, it is trashed, the water is still tolerable to drink when warm. Hope this helps. :mickey:

Nate's Grandpa
09-10-2008, 07:23 PM
I have been a diabetic for 30 years. The last 10 years on insulin - 4 shots per day (intensive therapy).

The only problem I have had at Disney is having my blood sugar level drop too low. When you take this much insulin, it is important to eat a snack during the day. I do this at home, but often forget it while on vacation. I always carry some glucose tabs with me in addition to some goldfish crackers in a snack bag.

I also try to drink plenty of water while at the parks.

EmISeeKayEeWhy
09-12-2008, 08:14 AM
People with adr's, call ahead! Last trip we made in 2006, We had 2 ADR's (CP (breakfast), and Luau(dinner)).
In both instances we called ahead and told them about the dietary needs for DW and DD(4 at the time). When we arrived, they both had a special menu prepared just for them, even the CP buffet!

The CM in MK have great eyes, our first day in MK, DD had an extreme low, a CM saw us dealing with her and immediately came over (we were in the emporium). She asked what could she do to help and she asked if a coke would help. We said yes and the CM escorted me to the drink vendor next to tony's and to the front of the line to purchased a coke.

No other place we've visited besides WDW,has that much awareness and eagerness to help. That's why until my DD is old enough to manage her diabetes on her own we exclusively vacation in WDW.

EmISeeKayEeWhy
09-12-2008, 09:21 AM
Forgot to post that they are both type 1.

PETE FROM NYC
10-03-2008, 02:27 PM
I'm type 2 over 20 yrs,wife type 2 this year.She is on pills,me insulin.I carry my insulin and needles in a MEDICOOL bag,about the size of a 1 qt thermos.It has a gel pack to be frozen each night,and comes with an extra gel pack,so one can always be in the freezer.

meldan98
10-03-2008, 07:13 PM
My father is Type 2 and my only tip was to take it easy the first time after you have been diagnosed. My dad really tried to keep going at the same speed as previous trips and do all the same things as he did before his diagnosis and he was a mess. We found that due to some of his medications, he got motion sickness easier. We also found out that sunscreen and one of his medications did not mix well and he ended up with hives. A headache and :ack:, hives and low blood sugar on day 1 do not make for a fun day. He spent day 2 resting and sleeping (thanks to Benadryl) and by day 3 he was much better and taking it easy.

luvdiznee
10-04-2008, 09:18 AM
But anyone know where to get a good secure Medic Alert charm for a necklace? DD has a bracelet that is made of felt like material so the more it get's wet the more it is wearing away. Her wrist is only about 4.5 inches small, so that's why I'm looking for a charm to put on a necklace. :confused:Thanks

Strmchsr
10-04-2008, 02:48 PM
I sent you a PM with a good link for what you need.

thumperbug
10-10-2008, 07:44 PM
I've been a type 1 for 10 years and on an insulin pump for 5 1/2 yrs (love it).

I always find I need a lot less insulin at WDW because of all the walking I do so I try to check my glucose more then usual and adjust my pump settings as needed. Due to the amazing features of being on a pump I can pretty much eat what I want and count carbs so I take the correct amount of insulin.

I always carry a small juice box with me in case of lows (works quicker for me then glucose tablets)

One time I was at Epcot in the Mexican pavillion and had a low and my juice box didn't quite help..my DH went right over to the restaurant San Angel and they gave him juice in about 10 seconds and told him to come get more if needed.

One other thing I did notice is that the heat makes it tougher for me to tell how I am really feeling. I just keep drinking water and if I need a break...I take one.

I sometimes forget I have diabetes and push myself too far...but I listen when my body tells me to rest and even though I don't like to do it....I do.

For the above poster who has to lug around the ice pack...have you considered insulin pens?

When I first went on insulin I used the pens rather the syringes and vials and only unused pens needed to be cooled. Once you started a pen it did not need to be refrigerated and was good up to 30 days that way.

disneydeb
10-11-2008, 05:29 AM
Restaurants and counter service are really good to assist when there is a low-sugar crisis.
Last year, just after the Small World ride through during Intercot's birthday bash, I was close to crashing when I got to the Enchanted Grove and they gave me a bottle of juice. I tried to pay and they wouldn't take my money. I sat and drank , then made it to the Rose Garden to rejoin my Intercot buddies for Hallowishes!

I'm Type 2 and have been for about 13 years. I take injections 4X daily and I use disposable pens.

luvdiznee
10-13-2008, 05:54 PM
I always carry a small juice box with me in case of lows (works quicker for me then glucose tablets)

One time I was at Epcot in the Mexican pavillion and had a low and my juice box didn't quite help..my DH went right over to the restaurant San Angel and they gave him juice in about 10 seconds and told him to come get more if needed.






This is a little off topic, but DD had a reaction to the heat on our last trip there and we were about in the same area as you. Because I was glad to find that First Aid is pretty close to the Mexican pavillion. Anyway, they also have drinks such as powerade there. DD enjoyed it and it was helpful for her BG since she had eaten only a little and got sick. As well as crackers to eat. But we always carry fruit snacks for her.:mickey:

MPLSguy
12-03-2008, 06:54 PM
I am a T2 on a insulin pump and always travel with a med kit that contains all the supplies that I might need, including insulin. I have had to use the services of the First Aid stations several times recently during my trip last month. They let me store my insulin the their refrigerator and if/when I need to change a infusion set or add insulin they gave me a medical room to do whatever I wanted. They even offered me a bed to lay down and take a rest if I needed it, which I did not. But it was nice of them to offer. They are really helpfull! :thumbsup:

betteratmk
12-03-2008, 07:43 PM
I'm a Type 1 diabetic, we have vacationed many times at WDW. Remember to not let yourself get dehydrated, always have a water bottle, glucose tabs do not do the trick for me, I can get very low,I find peanut-butter cups work great, I keep them in my room for night time reactions. We try to eat meals on at least a semi sechedule. If I eat too late at night I will go really high,folowed by a low(probably from all the walking!) If I cheat I do try to cover with additional insulin, but it is better to cheat with a protein chaser!1 meaning if you know you covet the cheese cake for dessert, monitor your carbs during the meal and try to include a protein with dinner to slow the rush! get enough rest and you should be fine. Good luck:D

adoptionislove
12-11-2008, 07:53 PM
My DH is Type 1...

When we checked into our hotel we requested a refrig. We told them it was for his insulin and they said it would be no charge since it is for medical reasons.

That is a good tip for someone going to the world on a budget!!! (It saved us 10 bucks a day for the week we were there...more $ for shopping)!!!