DD14 with Juvenile Diabetes. Questions regarding vacation

breebella

Mouseketeer
Joined
Feb 8, 2007
Messages
322
Hi everyone.
3 yrs ago my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1, Juv Diabetes. I was wondering how others prepare for their vacation when traveling with a diabetic family member. Will I need a note for the airline to carry syringes & meds on-board? Suggestions to keep insulin cold while in the parks during the hot summer. Also, has anyone ever encountered a problem while standing in long lines at the park, sugar dropping, need to check sugar, etc.
Any tips or advise would be very helpful as we will be in Disney in Aug.
Thank you. :grouphug:
 
....this is how I have been doing it:

I always have a note from my doctor, but never have been questioned about my needles, insulin, etc. by security.

Moderates and deluxes have refridgeraters in the room. I think you can request a fridge for free for medical reasons in a value.

I carry my insulin everywhere, and keep one backup in the room. I take extra everything, you do not want to be caught short.

I have heard First Aid in all the parks will store your insulin for you, but I always carry it with me. I do not want to be caught halfway across the park when its time for a shot.

I always carry something like Lifesavers on me for unexpected lows. Boxes of raisins and granola bars are good portable snacks as well.

The insulin pens are also very convenient, I usually take one of those.

Luckily, the food has gotten better over the years at WDW: there is fresh fruit and salads and more healthy non-carb food at all the parks. There are many sugar-free deserts available, but I stay away from those. With all the walking I do while at WDW, I can split a Mickey Bar with the wife, as long as I do not over eat, and not get high bgs. In fact, the main thing I have to watch for is lows, with all the exercise and of course, the excitement of being at WDW. But I have never had a serious problem.

Best wishes, and have a great time!
 
i can offer you a little insight from the other side of the needle - i have been type 1/jd since i was a small child.

we had full national-lampoon style vacations most years, and i never minded my mom watching me like a hawk for the first couple of days as we all adjusted to vacation schedule. what mortified me was her telling waiters, hotel clerks, strangers in lines, etc about me and my issue. for a kid 10-16 the most important thing is to not be singled out. i learned to eat my hot dog without the bun or to order a piece of grilled chicken or a salad in order to earn from my body the ability to eat an ice cream or cookies. i learned after a few mistakes that the ultimate cost of eating too much carbohydrate for lunch or sneaking in a sweet treat i didn't arrange for was that i would feel like crap later. having a high blood sugar never hurt me in the grand scheme of things, but after being allowed to make those mistakes here and there i learned fairly quickly to consider other options. i also carried my own stuff - monitor, insulin cool-keeper thing (about the size of a dayplanner, it has these tubes you freeze and slide into the pockets to keep the insulin cold), glucose tablets, cake icing tubes, two or three pairs of fluffy socks for changing, etc. i think over the years this sort of taking ownership of my responsibility for my body and my own wellbeing helped me to gain and keep control of my situation.

i can offer a little bit of disney-specific advice.
never underestimate the mileage. i was a very active kid, but the sheer extent of the walking during a day at the parks threw me for a loop more than once.
the general excitement of a disney vacation can mask signs of an impending low blood sugar, but sometimes we girls do cry or giggle just because.
foot inspection sounds silly to a kid. but i once picked up a rock in my boot while the family was hiking that cause a very minor injury which i didn't notice because i didn't check - and it became something much more serious and inconvenient that it ever should have. disney is nothing if not a pedestrian experience, and our feet are our friends. :cool1:
heading to the pool in the afternoon can be problematic as the nph from the morning dose kicks in in a body which has already burned breakfast and lunch. i had full-on low blood sugar episodes a few times around the pools in the mid afternoon.
dr pepper works faster than almost any other soda in a sugar-now situation. i think it is something to do with the purity of the corn syrup.
the heat can affect blood sugar levels because it can raise the blood pressure and can cause dehydration, among other things. and that nasty sort-of-dizzy sort-of-sluggish feeling you get when your sugar is high can also be caused by heat, so test after rest in a cool place before you add the extra units. this one has happened to me several times, and it always comes out okay if we sit through the tiki birds or presidents or something before we test and adjust insulin, than if we just run into the restroom right then. having high blood sugar for fifteen or twenty minutes isn't really going to harm anyone, but dosing a blood sugar that is about to fall on its own once the body slows down can lead to a problematic low.
bananas are our friends. potassium deficiencies in diabetic legs that cause those horrific leg cramps in the middle of the night are no fun. :banana:

wdw is no problem for a diabetic if you are aware of your body (or your daughter's) and i am sure your family will have a fabulous trip!
 
I think the Zurg's have compiled the most useful website for going to WDW with type 1 that covers most (if not all) of the bases: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/diabetes.htm

In the disAbilities FAQ on this board - in the 3rd post - you can find some links to previous threads about touring WDW with a type 1 person. Your insulin can be stored at the First Aid station in the parks or you can carry with with you in a small cooler (though there could be issues with leaving it unattended - not sure I'd want to do that) - or in something like a Frio pack.

My son was dx'd at 26 months and we've been to WDW several times with him since then. He is 5 now and pumping. I think it is useful to get suggestions on how to handle certain aspects of the trip (like testing, insulin storage, handling lows and so forth) but the experience you have WILL be unique because of your daughter's age, what insulin(s) she is on, her sensitivity to insulin, food, heat, stress, excitement, what type of meal plan she is on (she can eat whatever she wants or is it very strict?) and so forth. It could also depend on whether your child pumps or does shots (looks like shots) and whether she wears a CGMS, etc.

William is so much younger than your daughter (and pumps and we pretty much allow him to eat whatever he wants within reason of course) but we've found that traveling when it is very hot out is the most difficult for him. I've found the most useful thing is a very good touring plan and I really like Tour Guide Mike. It is a web based touring site for WDW - with a fee that is similar to a guide book. I've done several trips during the busiest times (spring break, 4th of July time) with great success. I think what helps the most is cutting down your wait time for rides/attractions (you don't want to be in a 2 hour line for Splash Mountain and she is 300 and her insulin is back at the 1st aid station, for example). We found that minimizing wait times, taking a good afternoon break, and planning enough cool attractions (indoor stuff) and sit down meals in the A/C worked best. If you find she has a great deal of difficulty touring and managing the diabetes while at WDW, it is possible to obtain a Guest Assistance Card. You can PM me for more information on that if you want.

Best of luck and I'm sure your daughter will have a fantastic experience!:thumbsup2
 

Thank you so much for all your helpful suggestions!!! I'll make sure I get the drs note just in case I need it for the airline. My daughter is pretty responsible with carrying her meter and glucose tabs,etc. Recently she switched from NPH to Lantus and its seems to be working much better for her. I don't feel comfortable leaving her insulin at the first aid ctr just in case we need it for an unexpected high or meal time since she now has to inject (humalog) every time she eats. So I'll need to find some sort of portable cooler for her insulin. Thanks for tip on lifesavers & Dr. Pepper. I never heard about the Diet Pepper thing, we usually use glucose tabs but that doesn't always get her blood sugar up right away.
Thanks for the allears.net link. :thumbsup2 As often as I've read the info on AllEars, I must've missed the info on diabetes.
I'm also interested in finding out more info on the Guest Assistance Card so I may send you a PM.
Thanks everyone. I'm so glad I found this board!!:cool1:
 
It is our understanding that Humalog does not need to be refrigerated, and can be carried with you.

We have found that carrying snacks is key, as we have experienced lows more often than usual.

Also, we are not bashful about testing often and in plain view; no one has noticed or seems to care. We usually dose Humalog after our meal in the restroom.
 
Lily - the company that makes humalog - advises the following:

http://pi.lilly.com/us/humalog-patient-vial.pdf

In-use: Humalog bottles should be refrigerated after first dose has been withdrawn. If refrigeration is not possible, the bottle of Humalog that you are currently using can be kept unrefrigerated, up to 28 days, as long as it is kept at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]) and away from direct heat and light. Do not use Humalog if it has been frozen. Humalog in the external insulin pump reservoir and the complete infusion set should be replaced and a new infusion site selected every 48 hours or less.

Humalog in an external insulin pump should not be exposed to temperatures above 98.6°F (37°C), such as in a sauna or hot tub, hot showers, direct sunlight, or radiant heater.


For an August trip I would make plans to keep the insulin cool that you are bringing with you.
 
I'm also interested in finding out more info on the Guest Assistance Card so I may send you a PM.
Thanks everyone. I'm so glad I found this board!!:cool1:
I don't have much to add to the good information you have already received except to let you know that there is a section about Guest Assistance Cards in the disABILITIES FAQs thread near the top of this board.

The other thing I was going to give you is a link to Tourguide Mike's website.


hope you have a great trip.
 
Hi There! I am a 35 yr old Junenile Diabetic, and w/i the last year have become a 'pumper' ... I now wear an Insulin Pump!
A few helpful hints - I have had Diabetes now for 22 yrs - so I feel like I have some knowledge!!! When I go anywhere on vacation I always bring a doc's note, and I bring a small case (I actually bought a foldable makeup organizer case from Target with little pockets in it that you can hang from a bathroom door, etc...no larger than a medium sized Franklin Planner) In one pocket I put Insulin and alcohol swabs, in another needles and lancets, etc... This way if someone from the airlines needs to inspect - everything is there in one place, including the Dr's note. Also, I keep small sized freezer bags with me with extra's of insulin, test strips, etc.. and I peel the 'sticker' from the pharmacy papers (Walgreens gives you a description of the meds with a 'sticker' that can peel off with your name, meds info, etc...) I peel this off and stick it to the outside of the freezer bag and insert the medications inside. This way anyone can see that this IS under my name and what it is for and there is no problems!
To keep insuling cool - I keep it in the fridge at night that is in my resort room, but I find if I take it with me to the park - it stays cool to room temp throughout the day !! Even if it's hot out, because I keep it in my purse inside the little bag that my tester and test strips are in!! Plus, although it may be hot in Disney, we are always walking in the airconditioned stores and sitting in airconditioned restaurants !! I have never had a problem - and even with the 'pump' that I wear on my pants or skirts...it is out in the elements so the sun is beating down on it, but it is ok!!!

***MY BEST ADVICE FOR ANY DIABETIC*** Go to any park when you first arrive, and go to the 'Guest Relations' - Tell them that you are Diabetic and that because you HAVE to eat at certain times and because the Sun and hot temps have alot to do with your blood sugar fluctuations...could you please get a 'GUEST ASSISTANCE CARD' so that you are able to ride the rides and not have to wait in long lines! I HAVE PASSED OUT IN LONG LINES BEFORE AND DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE TRYING TO ENJOY THEIR VACATION!!! Infact I kept my 'card' as a souvenire!!!! It is a Guest Assistance Pass and it is good for the # of people in your party! Mine was 3, and it is good for the duration of your stay! This helped out in so many ways...line waits were less than 10 minutes...and that was for Everest!!! I was so grateful when someone told me about this, and I hope that this will help anyone else!!

Dining out....I thought my desert choices would be limited, but at Disney, I had great 'Sugar Free Deserts' !!!! They made some of the best sugar free cheesecake and chocolate mousse I have ever eaten...and I still eat 'regular people food', but these are great when your being very 'good' or for anyone who would like to watch their sugar intake!!

Last word...it is true... TAKE CARE OF THE FEET! I thought I was invincible and would wear stylish little sandals, etc... until I was at MGM with a great little pair of Disney like Birkenstocks - when someone else notice blood oozing down the back of my feet and heels. Seems the sandals cause blisters I was not aware of and they broke open making a mess. I had to cut the MGM Studios short, go to the FIRST AID - they bandaged me up and made me wear my moms socks and tennis shoes back to the hotel. There I stayed for the rest of the day soaking my feet in the tup, tending the open wounds, and not being able to walk so well ! FROM NOW ON - I AM NOT TRYING TO IMPRESS ANYONE WITH MY FASHION....I AM BEING COMFORTABLE!!!

HOPE THIS HELPS!!
DAWNER

:dance3: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:
 
***MY BEST ADVICE FOR ANY DIABETIC*** Go to any park when you first arrive, and go to the 'Guest Relations' - Tell them that you are Diabetic and that because you HAVE to eat at certain times and because the Sun and hot temps have alot to do with your blood sugar fluctuations...could you please get a 'GUEST ASSISTANCE CARD' so that you are able to ride the rides and not have to wait in long lines! I HAVE PASSED OUT IN LONG LINES BEFORE AND DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE TRYING TO ENJOY THEIR VACATION!!! Infact I kept my 'card' as a souvenire!!!! It is a Guest Assistance Pass and it is good for the # of people in your party! Mine was 3, and it is good for the duration of your stay! This helped out in so many ways...line waits were less than 10 minutes...and that was for Everest!!! I was so grateful when someone told me about this, and I hope that this will help anyone else!!
Thanks for your comments.

There is information about Guest Assistance Cards in the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Not every diabetic will need one, but for those who do, it is very helpful to avoid problems.
 
Now I did not know about the disabilities cards for the diabetics. My dad is type 2. Normally he does not go with me to the park. With my brother visiting next week I he is going to go. It may be useful to get one for him. He is majorly mean though when his blood sugar goes one way or the other out of control. Last time he had a low sugar episode I ran to hide in my room like I was 10 again not the nearly 32 I am now.
 
Now I did not know about the disabilities cards for the diabetics. My dad is type 2. Normally he does not go with me to the park. With my brother visiting next week I he is going to go. It may be useful to get one for him. He is majorly mean though when his blood sugar goes one way or the other out of control. Last time he had a low sugar episode I ran to hide in my room like I was 10 again not the nearly 32 I am now.
Just to clarify.....
The Guest Assistance Card is not given for a diagnosis; it is given for needs due to a disability.
So, if he goes to Guest Relations at the parks and requests a card due to "diabetes", he is likely to be told there is no card. He should be prepared to explain what problems/needs he has that they could accomidate.
 
My Dd is 8 now and we have been to disney 2 times since she was diagnosed 2 years ago. As others have said I would for sure carry snacks along with me. She had a low of 38 last year while we were shopping and I had nothing with me. I had only grabbed my purse and the snacks were in my messenger bag. Needless to say I left her with a friend and RAN to get her a drink . Not a good place to be in.
Also I cannot say enough great things about Frio wallets. They are these ingenious little wallet things that have this pouch in them that you soak in water and then slip it into a larger canvas pouch. They keep insulin cool for a super long time. I think mine worked for 2-3 days before I had to resoak it. It was small, light.. and worked great. I think the site is www.friouk.com.
Both times were learning experiences but in the end we had a great time each vacation. This time DD should be on her pump and we are so excited.
 
There is lots of great advice here! Our two kids are type 1 and most of the tips I have are already listed. Both of our kids pump and we haven't had many issues during any of our trips. You definitely need snacks with you because they usually drop (tons of walking!).

We have never felt the need for a GAC. As long as we pace ourselves, I don't think we are any different than any other family. Maybe because we don't have children that aren't diabetic, we don't notice the things we do automatically!:rotfl: We have no problems testing in public and we have seen many others do the same thing. In fact, the kids are much less concerned about others "knowing" when we are on vacation than when we are at home. Once, at Chef Mickeys, the waitress noticed them testing and quickly told us about several sugar-free desserts that she could get for us.

Just pay attention and eat a little more! That works very well for us and everyone gets a little treat with no consequences!:goodvibes
 
I am glad to hear she was switched to Lantus it will make such a huge difference. Other's have offered you some great advice. Just make sure to care snacks with you at all times. If possible, an insulin pen maybe something to consider while at Disney.
 














Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Walt Disney World!

Save up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer in late summer and early fall. Plus, enjoy other savings for shorter stays.This offer is valid for stays most nights from August 1 to October 11, 2025.
CLICK HERE













DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top