26 and diabetic

[msgrimm23]

My sister found out yesterday that she has type 1 diabiets. she was crying and so upset. we where all wondering what to do when we go to disney my mom is hypoglysimic and the diet stuff is slim down there but with then new diet she is on she can pretty much have nothing and she is allergic to fruit and mushrooms. we where planning a trip in august for her for her 27 bday but the food issue might make it hard on her beeing this is going to be the first time at disney with no fun food. what do i do i need advice on everything when it comes down to it. any other young people with this can you help me help my sister

 

[ImarriedGrumpy]

I have several family members who are diabetic, as well as a few with severe food allergies. We always call ahead to Disney Dining and let them know about the food issues when we make our ADR's. When we check in, we let them know about the food issues again, and we'll double check with the waiter/waitress as necessary. Usually things are great - they are very accomodating, and there has always been something good to eat for each person on a restricted diet. Sometimes it has been above and beyond just "finding something" and there have been some amazing meals prepared.

You should definately check out the travel guide Passporter for WDW with Special Needs - it covers food issues and diabetes in the parks.

 

[zurgswife]

My sister found out yesterday that she has type 1 diabiets. she was crying and so upset. we where all wondering what to do when we go to disney my mom is hypoglysimic and the diet stuff is slim down there but with then new diet she is on she can pretty much have nothing and she is allergic to fruit and mushrooms. we where planning a trip in august for her for her 27 bday but the food issue might make it hard on her beeing this is going to be the first time at disney with no fun food. what do i do i need advice on everything when it comes down to it. any other young people with this can you help me help my sister

I just want to be clear that you understand that Type 1 diabeties and type 2 are two completely different beasts. Being Type 1 dosen't mean you can't eat fun food. You can eat what every you want you just need to make sure that you give your body insulin to account for the carbs you put in your body. Type 1 is about carb counting you do not have a restricted diet. Type 2 is about dieting.

Your sister should visit the american diabetes Association message boards.

http://community.diabetes.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=index&webtag=amdiabetesz

I have 2 diabetic kids and we visit disney without too much issue. It is very hard to get carb counts out of disney so you have to estimate. Your sister will probably buy Calorie King nutrition book. Great help estimating carbs.

T1 is tough at any age but she will make it through....

 

[ohiominnie]

I Type 1 is about carb counting you do not have a restricted diet. Type 2 is about dieting.

Your sister should visit the american diabetes Association message boards.

http://community.diabetes.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=index&webtag=amdiabetesz

Really? I'm not questioning you, but I want to clarify...
My mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 3 yrs ago. She had long talks with the doctor and has been to see the diabetic nutritionist on several occasions. She counts carbs (I think it's like 15 carbs on the box equals one carb serving and she can have a certain number of carb servings per meal)



Confused now....

 

[zurgswife]

Really? I'm not questioning you, but I want to clarify...
My mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 3 yrs ago. She had long talks with the doctor and has been to see the diabetic nutritionist on several occasions. She counts carbs (I think it's like 15 carbs on the box equals one carb serving and she can have a certain number of carb servings per meal)



Confused now....

Some Type2's may carb count but most control there blood glucose with oral medications and adjustment in their diets. Oral medications usually work best in the course of type 2 diabetes and are most effective when combined with a healty diet and exercise routine. People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but either do not make enough insulin or their bodies do not use the insulin they make.

Type 1 diabetic on the other had don't produce any insulin so they are on daily regements of insulin either by pump or injection.

 

[zurgswife]

Also, type 2's tend to try to eat more sugar free stuff...as a parent of 2 type 1 kids we stay away from most sugar free stuff as it ususlly has as much carbs as regular stuff and from a nutritional stand point isn't any better for you and it also can have some not so pleasent side affects..

 

[MsDisney23]

Living with JD my whole life I could help you alot! I was on insulin for over 40 year's, I am have been off all insulin for the past 21 months, as that is when I got a Pancreas Transplant. My I recommend the insulin pump for your sister. I was on one for 4 year's and loved it!

www.minimed.com can give you alot of great information. I also recommend the Calorie King as another poster has said.

 

[zurgswife]

Living with JD my whole life I could help you alot! I was on insulin for over 40 year's, I am have been off all insulin for the past 21 months, as that is when I got a Pancreas Transplant. My I recommend the insulin pump for your sister. I was on one for 4 year's and loved it!

www.minimed.com can give you alot of great information. I also recommend the Calorie King as another poster has said.

WOW!!!...I knew you had a transplant but I never knew it was pancreas.....I hope things are going OK...

My kids are both on the animas pump and it is wonderful. http://www.animascorp.com/index2.shtml

 

[lizdotcom99]

Some Type2's may carb count but most control there blood glucose with oral medications and adjustment in their diets. Oral medications usually work best in the course of type 2 diabetes and are most effective when combined with a healty diet and exercise routine. People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but either do not make enough insulin or their bodies do not use the insulin they make.

Type 1 diabetic on the other had don't produce any insulin so they are on daily regements of insulin either by pump or injection.

I tend to disagree with you here...as a recently diagnosed type 2 diabetic...who is insulin dependant....I have found almost all type 2 diabetics NEED to count carbs as well as diet and exercise. Reading the boards on the American Diabetic Association will show this to be true for most all diabetics. Many type 2's who are insulin dependant, are so because of insulin resistance. In some cases diet, execise and oral meds may work...but that is not true in all cases.

I would be sure to let Disney know of your eating concerns and needs. I am sure they will be more than helpful in accomodating your needs.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[zurgswife]

I would be sure to let Disney know of your eating concerns and needs. I am sure they will be more than helpful in accomodating your needs.

Have a great trip!!!

I tend to disagree here....while you should let them know there really isn't much they will do to accomodate carb counting needs. We have been after disney for 2yrs to try to get carb counts. This year we finally were able to find the right "suits" to talk to and they said that they had never heard of anybody requesting carb counts.. So, while you may get some help from CM's don't be expecting much. Just bring your calorie king book along and estimating should go fairly smoothly.

 

[msgrimm23]

i did not want to have this turn in to a debet. the doctor told my sister to cut things out right now she is on a pill she can not produce insulin to break down the sugar. the reason she is on a diet for it is that she passed out at work and her sugar was through the roof. for those that gave me good advice thank you so much i will keep you all posted on how she is doing. right now i can tell you she is in shell shock she is a partier and love to drink doctor told her no alchy.

 

[Laura]

My husband was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 20. It is a bit of a juggle trying to figure out what to eat, when and how much insulin to take at first. But close monitoring of your sister's blood sugar levels is very important, especially since she'll be new at this. Please do not worry. She will be fine.

You say she's taking a pill right now to break down her sugar... I'm assuming since you also say she produces no insulin that she is type 1 (many people get the types confused). So I'm thinking right now her sugar's through the roof because there's no insulin to fix that (normal is around 100; my DH was admitted to the hospital with about 600, I think he said). Once her sugar is normalized, she should need insulin injections--although I'm thinking that should already have started. Just some facts: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas's insulin-producing B cells have been destroyed by the person's body. A good website is: http://diabetes.org/recently-diagnosed/type-1-adult.jsp Type 2 is generally an insulin resistance problem; it's really a different animal, although people with both types may have similarities in treatments.

Your sister needs to get advice from her endocrinologist as to what to do about her diet and so forth--certainly not anyone on the DIS. I can tell you that my DH can't really eat what he wants when he wants, as the shots (he is resistant to getting the pump) he takes have to be rather regimented. Your sister may need to eat sooner than she thinks sometimes; she will probably want to take sugary snacks into the park in case of blood sugar dropping (we brought some packs of Keebler SoftBatch cookies with us into the parks).

Just a tip: carrying insulin around a hot theme park is a bit tricky. We bought a Frio wallet for my DH's insulin, and it works great. All you need is cold water. http://www.friouk.biz/us/ We kept his in the room's fridge at night and just stuck it into my shoulder bag when we left for the day.

 

[Honu]

i did not want to have this turn in to a debet. the doctor told my sister to cut things out right now she is on a pill she can not produce insulin to break down the sugar. the reason she is on a diet for it is that she passed out at work and her sugar was through the roof. for those that gave me good advice thank you so much i will keep you all posted on how she is doing. right now i can tell you she is in shell shock she is a partier and love to drink doctor told her no alchy.

If she is only taking a pill, she has type 2, adult onset, diabetes. Yes, her diet and lifestyle will be changing. She will need to be aware of her carb intake and will need to gravitate towards a lean meat and veggie diet with little to no starches. The sugar will immediately raise her blood sugar and starches (bread, potatoes, rice) will slowly raise it.

She really needs to get some nutritional counseling. Does she have medical insurance? It usually covers this for diabetics.

Both type 1 & 2 diabetics monitor carbs. Type 1 patients count them to calculate insulin dosing. Type 2 patients monitor them to reduce them from their diet.

 

[robertsmom]

I just want to be clear that you understand that Type 1 diabeties and type 2 are two completely different beasts. Being Type 1 dosen't mean you can't eat fun food. You can eat what every you want you just need to make sure that you give your body insulin to account for the carbs you put in your body. Type 1 is about carb counting you do not have a restricted diet. Type 2 is about dieting.

I have 2 diabetic kids and we visit disney without too much issue. It is very hard to get carb counts out of disney so you have to estimate. Your sister will probably buy Calorie King nutrition book. Great help estimating carbs.

T1 is tough at any age but she will make it through....

I very much agree! My DS was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 2. I have never had to completely cut any food out of his diet. Portion control and common sense are necessary, of course, but please don't think your sister can never have "fun food" again.

 

[robertsmom]

i did not want to have this turn in to a debet. the doctor told my sister to cut things out right now she is on a pill she can not produce insulin to break down the sugar.

Well, if she is taking a pill for it, then it is Type 2. Type 1 diabetics HAVE to take insulin injections, not a pill. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. (Believe me, I wish with all my heart that my DS could take a pill instead of endless injections.)

 

[zurgswife]

i did not want to have this turn in to a debet. the doctor told my sister to cut things out right now she is on a pill she can not produce insulin to break down the sugar. the reason she is on a diet for it is that she passed out at work and her sugar was through the roof. for those that gave me good advice thank you so much i will keep you all posted on how she is doing. right now i can tell you she is in shell shock she is a partier and love to drink doctor told her no alchy.

If your sister is taking a pill then she is not a Type 1 diabetic, she is type 2. Type 1's need insulin injections from the start.

Type 2 diabetes: Type of diabetes that occurs when the body becomes ressistant to its own insulin. As the pancreas tries to compensate for the insulin resistance, it tries to produce more insulin. Eventually the islet cells wear out and diminish in number leading to the symptoms of the disease.

Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease that occures when the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, called islet cells are destroyed. The body produces no insulin.

With proper monitoring of her diet and taking the medications that her Dr has suggested type 2 diabetics usually do just fine. The calorie King book should help her as well.

 

[msgrimm23]

its been kinda confusing the doctor told her she was type 1 but if you need insulin then i guess she is type 2 she also said something about hypoglycmia sorry cant spell. i will ask her what the pill name is. thanks for all the post and she as insurance for the time being but she is a school teacher and thee budget did not pass and she may loss her job because of the seniority thing. and cause its special ed