Cruising with Type 1 Diabetes

[alexandmaddie]

My 13 year old son was diagnosed with T1D last week. One of the first things he asked while in the hospital is if he'd still be able to go on Disney cruises. Has anyone cruised with a child with T1D? I'm wondering if carbohydrate counts can be provided, etc...

Thanks~

 

[truck1]

My wife is type 1 and also my friends daughter is also. There's no restriction on cruising with T1D. I'll have to ask her on her carb counts and my friend also on how they figure there carbs. I don't think the wait staff or at least on the last cruise could figure out how to count the carbs.

 

[DHSbutcher]

Of course he can still sail! We sailed with my cousin one year who has T1D and as I remember she stuck to very simple meals, protein, vegetables, etc.

 

[lanejudy]

Absolutely no reason not to cruise with T1D. When is your cruise? Unless you have one coming up soon, you and he will likely be very familiar with estimating carb counts. Neither DCL nor WDW provides carb counts. I recommend using Calorie King, available as a book or an app, to use as reference for carb counts. Depending on his activity level, he may need to test more frequently and adjust his insulin accordingly.

It's all new and confusing to you now -- but trust me you'll be used to it within 6 months.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[carolinainmymind]

While Disney doesn't provide carb counts, they are very helpful in providing brands and we've had no problems estimating in either parks or on the ships. We've done 2 cruises with my 9-year old since dx over 6 years ago. Give your son hugs from us and huge kudos to all of you!!!

 

[mickey0624]

My 13 year old son was diagnosed with T1D last week. One of the first things he asked while in the hospital is if he'd still be able to go on Disney cruises. Has anyone cruised with a child with T1D? I'm wondering if carbohydrate counts can be provided, etc...

Thanks~

My 12 year old has been Type 1 diabetic since he was just over a year. We've been on 5 cruises and go to the world every year. Any questions, please ask.

 

[IWannaBeAMousketeer]

My DH has Type 1 and cruised several times. He has become very familiar with carb counts, but still has to look things up somewhat regularly. When they are not provided or you don't have the packaging, you can usually find something very similar in one of the food apps (or pocket sized books if you are off line). Your Diabetic educator or doctor should be able to provide you with resources.

We are also sure to bring double the supplies we think he'll need and everything for his backup plan (he uses a pump, but has a plan if the pump fails which includes mealtime injections and a basal (long-lasting) insulin pen that he starts since the pump normally provides his basal insulin).

We also always purchase a pre-existing conditions waiver on our travel insurance to make sure he is covered if he does have any diabetic related medical issues. There are 3-4 plans available on Insure My Trip that have pre-existing condition waivers that can be added anytime before you are Paid In Full (there is a box you can check when searching). I had read that T1 is always considered a pre-existing condition because its never technically "medically stable" since you vary the amount of insulin you get day to day. I'm not 100% certain that is correct but I don't want to test it by sailing without a pre-existing condition waiver. My husband hasn't had problems in years, but you never know.

 

[JBeaty0507]

I think there is no reason not to sail with someone with T1 Diabetes. We have sailed with my DD who has T1. However, a back-up plan cannot be stressed enough. My dad's pump busted (from being hit on the edge of a table as he was walking) and so it was a long cruise of taking insulin shots every few hours. If we had been a little more prepared (luckily we did at least have some sort of back up) it would have been easier. We were on a cruise to Mexico and so it was difficult to get in touch with anyone from the pump company to help us until we were back in the US.

You'll get pretty used to figuring out what kind of carbs are in different kinds of food and it'll make it easier. I think you'll still have lots of fun!!!

 

[alexandmaddie]

Thank you so much to everyone for your replies! It gives me comfort to know we're not alone. I can see it getting easier day by day, but right now it's just overwhelming.

 

[IWannaBeAMousketeer]

Thank you so much to everyone for your replies! It gives me comfort to know we're not alone. I can see it getting easier day by day, but right now it's just overwhelming.

Hang in there!! My husband was diagnosised as an adult and it was still very overwhelming at first. It takes time, but you will get better and better at managing it. There are so many new technologies available today that have really made a huge difference in his day to day life (such as the continuous glucose monitor he began wearing a year or so ago). Sending you prayers & good wishes!

 

[WeLoveStitch42]

Yes, you can definitely do it. My T1 teen has been on 3 Disney cruises, and we've got #'s 4 & 5 booked. No carb counts are provided, but there are some good books & apps to help with that. GoMeals is a great app. Take a lot of supplies, test often, and have fun.

 

[quickcat]

I know exactly what you mean by it feeling overwhelming! My son was diagnosed when he was one
I have to say I felt very overwhelmed for almost a good year. I think its almost harder on the parents, at least it was for us.
He is now 15 and has been on about 8 Disney cruises and he does absolutely anything and everything anyone else can do.
All the excursions will say -ok, almost all of them- will say it excludes anyone diabetic, but we always do them. There isnt a reason why a diabetic cant except for the fact that they wont be liable should something happen. I always bring with snacks and make sure we have enough insulin. He's been snorkeling, jet skiing, etc no problems, just need to be prepared with snacks for lows and insulin for highs

I agree with having extra supplies along, assuming you are on shots and not a pump just make sure you bring more than enough. When you get to want a pump, you can get travel pumps, at least Medtronic has that program, that they send us a loaner pump for a "just in case" situation so you don't have to bring extra syringes with.
On the first night I always order 2 apples juices for night time to keep in the fridge then when I am testing him at night if he is low it's a quick and easy carb for us.
You will get really good at guessing the carbs..... I mean really good, so that will come but only with time. And also all carbs affect people differently so you and your child will get to know those foods as well.
Hang in there, it will get better!!!
Oh, and after you know about diabetes and know what to look for....you will see people testing and people with insulin pumps on their swimming suits which I would never have even took a second look at but you will notice that around the ship now. You are definitely not alone. Disney will also put a sharps container in your room for the syringes. Airlines don't even bat an eye at insulin supplies....I don't even say anything anymore, just throw our 'diabetes bag' to get x-rayed and they never say a word.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

My DD was 9 when she was diagnosed with T1D and we have successfully cruised 3 times since then, including Europe. It may seem very overwhelming now as you discover your new 'normal" but it is very easy to cruise with T1D. DCL does not provide carb counts, but there are resources you can use like a Calorie King Book and several apps. Once you get to know what your son eats pretty regularly it will be easy to determine the carbs. However, when on vacation when he is more active you will need to be more vigilant in checking BGs and making sure he doesn't go low.

He shouldn't be on any strict diet and can eat whatever any normal 13 year old eats as long as it is covered with insulin. Which means he can enjoy almost anything DCL provides.

As soon as your doctor and insurance say, get an insulin pump. They are a godsend. It makes management so much easier with less needle sticks throughout the day.

Hang in there. I know it is scary right now, but it will get easier!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I'm also a type 1 and wear an insulin pump and I was diagnosed at around age 23 and they still don't know why as I've been on the smaller side my whole life - but anyway just pointing out sometimes we get a curve ball thrown our way (but it's completely different being your child, I can only imagine!). I have travelled the world and have done 12 cruises with DCL and I don't let it hold me back. I am very good about checking my blood sugars and knowing when I need to stop and have some juice or a snack. Vacations and traveling can certainly throw a monkey wrench in the best plans so I'd encourage you to check the BS' a lot more than usual, just until you really feel comfortable. High BS's are also a lot more likely to happen so just keep an eye for those as well. For the cruise, I usually get apple juice in the morning and bring a cup back to my cabin and keep in the fridge for a quick emergency. At dinner time in the MDR's, you can ask your server for juice to go and do the same thing to keep overnight in your fridge and let your son know it's there. I love traveling with the little Juicy Juice boxes as they are right at around 15 carbs and fruit snacks in the little packages are great and so are granola bars. Hang in there and pretty soon you guys will be doing the carb counting in your head (like I do) but just know sometimes it is just a guess so do the best you can

I hope you guys have a fabulous cruise in the future and don't hesitate to do it and all the best to your son

Heather

 

[truck1]

My 13 year old son was diagnosed with T1D last week. One of the first things he asked while in the hospital is if he'd still be able to go on Disney cruises. Has anyone cruised with a child with T1D? I'm wondering if carbohydrate counts can be provided, etc...

Thanks~

I was just talking to my wife about it. Since the crew doesn't know how to or have allowance made for counting carbs, she guessed some of it, (shes ben type 1 now for over 20 years) and some of it she googled before we left. The DCL menus were online ( should still be though I haven't looked) so you can go there and see what your son would eat and plan accordingly before you even leave.

 

[truck1]

Found this. Not exactly like I remember it, but you should be able to get an idea on carbs from this. You can look up the ship your on and look at the rest onboard.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/onboard-activities/royal-court-restaurant/

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

We have cruised twice with a family member with Diabetes II. Both were DCL and while we did not get carb. counts, we had servers that were very good at showing us what items on the menus were diabetes friendly and which to stay away from.

She had no problems keeping her sugars in line.


AKK

 

[disneyfaninaz]

We have cruised twice with a family member with Diabetes II. Both were DCL and while we did not get carb. counts, we had servers that were very good at showing us what items on the menus were diabetes friendly and which to stay away from.

She had no problems keeping her sugars in line.


AKK

Don't confuse Type 2 with Type 1. "Diabetes friendly" foods sometimes have more fat to make up for not as much sugar. As I mentioned above, as long as food is covered with insulin, T1Ds don't have to eat "sugar free" desserts.

 

[disnerella]

First of all, OP, know that life will be different but not any less! Sending many good thoughts your way.

Our son was diagnosed with T1D at the age of 3 (he is now 9) and it hasn't stopped him / us from going anywhere or doing anything (or eating anything). He wears a Medtronic insulin pump with a CGM. It has made such a difference in control and convenience.

I would suggest downloading some good smartphone apps. I personally like MyFitnessPal and MyNetDiary - they both have a really good comprehensive carb database that calculates carbs per desired portion size ... and in time your carb counting memory just kicks in.

It will get easier!

 

[anneboleyn]

I know exactly what you mean by it feeling overwhelming! My son was diagnosed when he was one I have to say I felt very overwhelmed for almost a good year. I think its almost harder on the parents, at least it was for us.

You are absolutely right about it being harder on the parents. My DD8 was diagnosed at 5, and while it was quite an adjustment, she is totally unfazed by it now and it is just a part of our lives. It definitely took me longer to come to terms with it.

OP, it will get easier every day. And in a few months, you won't even think twice about it. They can still do everything they did before being diagnosed. It's just that their blood sugar has to be monitored now. It is hard at first but I promise you, it gets easier.