Type 1 Diabetes in Disney

[GrandCalifornian]

Just joining in to offer what advice and support I can. I am a type 1 diabetic, diagnosed in my early 20s. I agree with the advice offered here, and personally I find that the activity at WDW keeps numbers lower than they otherwise would be. Test test test, and carry plenty of low snack. My current favorite is Welch's fruit snacks, since they come in small bags and I can carry a few in my pocket and they don't melt or get gross. I really enjoy my treats at Disney, and by monitoring and taking for special treats (including ice cream) I find I can have what I want. Again nothing is forbidden, just everything has to be accounted for and managed. My Wife likes the term "dumping," we will use that now. It does happen. Another tip for the future along the lines of testing is look seriously into a CGM (continuous meter). Our last trip to Disney was my first with one, and it really helps stay on top of things. My wife literally sleeps better at night now that I have it and it takes care of alerting me about dropping blood sugar.

I use a neoprene case for my pens, and it is actually a sunglasses case from Disney World. It keeps them somewhat insulated, although I make sure to only carry one pen at a time with me to avoid potential heat damage to multiple pens. I bought a Frio case for our last trip and it seems neat, but I didn't end up needing it and we were there in September. I keep plenty of spare pens in the fridge in the room, and did well with my in use pens in their neoprene case in my pocket or backpack.

Good luck, enjoy your trip, and be reassured that she can enjoy the wonderful food and treats at WDW despite being diabetic. With patience and testing, it will be fine for everybody.

[jakeybake]

My DD11 was just diagnosed 4 weeks ago. I know what you are going through. We are also going in August. Right now my DW and I feel like we are running on fumes and at times in a dream. I'm looking forward to the day when this all becomes a bit routine. We have been told its coming but we just can't imagine it.

I wish you all the luck and comfort in the world and feel free to PM if you ever need to vent/chat etc.

Jay

[anorman]

Originally Posted by jakeybake

My DD11 was just diagnosed 4 weeks ago. I know what you are going through. We are also going in August. Right now my DW and I feel like we are running on fumes and at times in a dream. I'm looking forward to the day when this all becomes a bit routine. We have been told its coming but we just can't imagine it.

I wish you all the luck and comfort in the world and feel free to PM if you ever need to vent/chat etc.

Jay

We were like that too at first. It does become more routine after a few months and carb counting becomes almost second nature......life has become a series of continuous math problems!

The advice offered here on DISboards makes me feel a little better about Disney and type 1 diabetes. The thing I am taking most to heart is to test, test, test!

For those of you with experience with T1D in the Florida heat, do you think that a GAC is necessary? Will the heat have that much of an effect on her levels? Or is it just that we can't risk her being in line for an extended period of time? I hadn't even considered one of these but perhaps it might be a good idea to have in case we absolutely needed it.

Also, does anyone have any ideas about a pocket sized book for carb counting that would be easy to tote around? Something that would include carbs plus fibre information would be ideal.

[jakeybake]

Originally Posted by anorman

We were like that too at first. It does become more routine after a few months and carb counting becomes almost second nature......life has become a series of continuous math problems!

The advice offered here on DISboards makes me feel a little better about Disney and type 1 diabetes. The thing I am taking most to heart is to test, test, test!

For those of you with experience with T1D in the Florida heat, do you think that a GAC is necessary? Will the heat have that much of an effect on her levels? Or is it just that we can't risk her being in line for an extended period of time? I hadn't even considered one of these but perhaps it might be a good idea to have in case we absolutely needed it.

Also, does anyone have any ideas about a pocket sized book for carb counting that would be easy to tote around? Something that would include carbs plus fibre information would be ideal.

Not sure if you have a phone that supports Apps but we have the Calorie King App on our iPhones and it is a life saver!!

Thanks for the encouraging words!

Jay

[anorman]

Originally Posted by jakeybake

Not sure if you have a phone that supports Apps but we have the Calorie King App on our iPhones and it is a life saver!!

Jay

We do have an android but the problem is we live in Canada and the data roaming fees are astronomical when we travel outside the country. This is why the book would probably work better for us.

[jakeybake]

Originally Posted by anorman

We do have an android but the problem is we live in Canada and the data roaming fees are astronomical when we travel outside the country. This is why the book would probably work better for us.

Calorie King has a book as well. We keep it in the car just in case.

Hope this helps!
Jay

[DEA]

Originally Posted by anorman

We do have an android but the problem is we live in Canada and the data roaming fees are astronomical when we travel outside the country. This is why the book would probably work better for us.

WiFi is now pretty ubiquitous* around the guest areas, so as long as you're on WiFi and not your cell data service, you should be able to avoid any additional charges and get all the Internet access you need.

*Inside some ride buildings you may be out of luck, but I've had good luck everywhere outside, and in every restaurant where I've tried. Resort hotels are especially well-blanketed.

[anorman]

Originally Posted by DEA

WiFi is now pretty ubiquitous* around the guest areas, so as long as you're on WiFi and not your cell data service, you should be able to avoid any additional charges and get all the Internet access you need.

*Inside some ride buildings you may be out of luck, but I've had good luck everywhere outside, and in every restaurant where I've tried. Resort hotels are especially well-blanketed.

Are the theme parks making wifi available to guests? If so, I'll have to get that app.

[Laura]

Originally Posted by anorman

We were like that too at first. It does become more routine after a few months and carb counting becomes almost second nature......life has become a series of continuous math problems!

The advice offered here on DISboards makes me feel a little better about Disney and type 1 diabetes. The thing I am taking most to heart is to test, test, test!

For those of you with experience with T1D in the Florida heat, do you think that a GAC is necessary? Will the heat have that much of an effect on her levels? Or is it just that we can't risk her being in line for an extended period of time? I hadn't even considered one of these but perhaps it might be a good idea to have in case we absolutely needed it.

Also, does anyone have any ideas about a pocket sized book for carb counting that would be easy to tote around? Something that would include carbs plus fibre information would be ideal.

I don't think a GAC is necessary. But you could always get one at any time during your trip if you find the lines and heat are too much for her. Everyone's different (diabetes aside, some people just can't take that much heat).

[jrsmom]

Originally Posted by anorman

Ice cream does tend to send her readings through the roof but if her carb requirements are increased, then she should be able to enjoy these like she did on our past trips! I KNOW she will be happy to know this since it was one of the things we all very much looked forward to in the hot, hot, hot August heat.

I am not type 1, but type 2. It runs in the family and I was diagnosed the day before leaving for s Disney trip. I was just going to comment on your ice cream comment. I can have ice cream, a small serving and it doesn't spike my numbers. I usually have about 1/4 to 1/2 cup as my evening snack. Because it is both a carb and a protein it breaks down slower than something that is a straight carb. When in Disney, I tend to splurge a little because of all of the extra walking and I sometimes hit the gym. Everyone is different and there might be certain trigger foods that can bother her more than others. One of my favorite foods is pasta I found dreamfields low carb pasta to be a great solution. I can make all of my favorite pasta dishes and not have my numbers spike.

Again, I have found for me that I can basically eat whatever I want within reason and be careful with portion control. By doing this I have been able to keep my numbers in a very good range.

Good luck and have a great trip!

[anorman]

Originally Posted by Laura

I don't think a GAC is necessary. But you could always get one at any time during your trip if you find the lines and heat are too much for her. Everyone's different (diabetes aside, some people just can't take that much heat).

We have plenty of experience with the August heat having been to Florida 4 times previously in August. Yes it is very hot but with careful planning and lots of fluids we have coped pretty well. This being our first time to Disney since her diagnosis last September, I don't know what to expect and I just don't want her to have negative effects from the heat masking a possible low. You know, the sweating, lightheadedness/dizziness, increased heart rate, headache all are common symptoms of being overheated AND low blood sugar.
If we can avoid the overheating with the GAC perhaps it might be worthwhile to get so that she can avoid extended time in the summer Florida heat.