Diabeteics..can you help me?

[pbharris4]

I've been diagnosed for about 3-4 months now. We go to WDW every year and never had to think of this before. What type of shoes do you wear when you go swimming in WDW? Normally I wear Crocs around the park, but what can I wear to the pool in the water and to Blizzard Beach that isn't huge or bulky? Thanks!

 

[disneyfool_1202]

I've been diagnosed for about 3-4 months now. We go to WDW every year and never had to think of this before. What type of shoes do you wear when you go swimming in WDW? Normally I wear Crocs around the park, but what can I wear to the pool in the water and to Blizzard Beach that isn't huge or bulky? Thanks!

I'm not diabetic (well, I was type 2 before i lost a ton of weight and now I'm not considered at risk any longer)... I have a pair of Ryka swim sneakers because I hate to step on sharp objects in the sand / ocean. They aren't as 'bulky' or heavy as regular sneakers and are quite comfortable. I've also used the regular swim shoes / beach shoes that slip on but I don't find them as comfortable, although they do stop sharp objects from sticking / cutting your feet if you step directly on them.

 

[pbharris4]

Thank you! Congratulations on the weight loss. How did you do it, if you don't mind if I ask? I need to lose as well. I don't know if it would help me (both parents, grandparents, and a sister have had or do have Type 2). So Ryka Swim shoes? Do you know where I can find them?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

We have lots of people coming into TL wearing Crocs. I don't know if they wear them into the water, but there is no rule against it (and the water will not harm them). I'm not sure about slides, but the only prohibition we have is no exposed metal (which can scrape the slide).

 

[SmallWorld71]

DM is diabetic and can not feel her feet at all and is unable to walk bare foot. She always wears rubber soled water shoes at the beach near us and at water parks. She just buys them from a Payless or Wal-Mart type place although last year her sister bought her some that were made specially for diabetics. They looked almost like little socks but they were designed to be worn in the water.

 

[Talking Hands]

I am a type 1 diabetic and have been for many years. I wear my Crocs to the water parks if I go. I do not wear swim shoes and prefer to go shoeless. I know I should be I can feel my feet just fine and dh inspects them daily for any problems.

 

[pbharris4]

I prefer to go shoeless as well, but don't want to risk it. I feel my feet as well. I am only 36 and because of the strong family history of Type 2 I would get tested every year. Last year was fine, this year no. As for swimming, I do the wave pool and the lazy river and maybe the inner tube slide rapids thing. Can Crocs float? I've never tried it. Are those things safe for us to do?

Guess I am going off track with this question, but how does one do it during the summer being diabetic and the heat, and all the walking? Do you test more? Eat more? I defintely drink more because it's hot. I've scheduled my meals for good times (I've always done that anyway). Sorry..since I was on herer I thought I'd just throw that in too.

 

[NicoleDisneyFan]

I wear my crocs or even just sandles around the water. I like to go shoeless when I am in the water since there is a pool at a theme park in our area that you are not able to wear any water shoes. I do bring a pair of water shoes that I buy at walmart or kmart. My foot doctor told me that even though I have full feeling in my feet that I should wear shoes because I would be more prone to athletes feet or warts..even in the shower.
I am a type 2 diabetic. I got it when I just turned 19 and still made insulin so I was put as type 1 and 2 for a while. I feel like my sugars go low when I am on vacation. I got a 15 reading on my meter at my last disneyland visit. My sugars are usually in the 400's at home. I need to eat and drink more when I am away. Need to rest more and stay in the shade. My diabetes reacts bad to any stress or changes so I always have to have sugar pills with me.

 

[jrsmom]

Lands End has sneaker type water shoes that look pretty nice, I believe that they are slip on and have a lot of mesh.

 

[Selket]

My younger son is type 1 and not type 2 (though LOTS of type 2 in my family - I had a short bout of gestational diabetes myself).

This website is directed towards type 1 folks but I think there are lots of good tips and info here for type 2's as well - it is called Disney with Type 1 Diabetes: http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/diabetes.htm

Type 1's are insulin dependent and the disease is quite a bit different than type 2 but some things are the same. As for Disney and all the activity, I don't see how you can go wrong by always keeping some fast acting sugar with you (juice, glucose tabs, whatever you like best). And testing more might help as you might be more prone to highs from the unusual food or lows because of all the exercise.

You question whether the wave pool, etc. is safe to do - I say you can do ANYTHING you want to do - don't let the diabetes hold you back!

As for the shoes - there are lots of places that sell adult swim shoes (Target, Lands End, outdoor stores, etc) - I think the most important consideration is that you try them on -wear them in the house a bit - and make sure they won't rub a sore on your foot! I believe Crocs float but I think you'd lose them in about 2 seconds in a wave pool! You want something that will stay securely on your foot. It is also possible you just need the water shoes for walking around outside the pool - in the water (of a pool) it seems like you are not so likely to step on things, hurt your foot.

For losing weight I think Weight Watchers has one of the most balanced plans around - not excluding any of the food groups. You can tailor it to fit your meal plan needs. Talk to your doctor about what she/he thinks is best. You can do WW all online and there is a type 2 support group on the Women's Health board there. There is a WISH board here at the DIS for those losing weight - you could start a Type 2 support thread if there isn't one.

Have a great trip!

 

[mechurchlady]

Mom is diabetic as is her 3 siblings.

You could go barefoot in and around the pool and probably. The main danger is your cutting or bruising your feet. My aunt could not feel a cut that was infected. Make sure at home that the shoes do not send you sliding. I wore beach sandals aka flip flops and permantly damaged my knee. I was walking on wet painted cement at the entrance to DLR when boom I was down.


Make sure you inspect yourself for any cuts, bruises, etc and keep your feet dry. My aunt has had problems with wet spots going bad on her. She has not gone barefoot for a decade while her two sisters are still occassionally barefoot.

 

[pbharris4]

Thank you so much for all the great replies! It is some very helpful information. I haven't seen a whole lot of choices out there yet for swim shoes, but I'm sure in another month or two there will be more to choose from. As for the food and BS readings..I'll have to play it by ear. I know I can't eat alot of CS meals because they are almost all the same fried and fatty and although there's salad I don't want to eat that 24/7. I'll just make sure I have what I need. Thanks again.

 

[mechurchlady]

Actually there are a lot of healthy choices the the CS.
Just be careful with the sauces and condiments. Only once did I have problems with barbecue sauce with Mom. I now have learned how much she can have and give her less. Salad dreessings tend to have a lot of soy, salt, sugar and/or fat. sigh.

Here are some counter service examples.


Toy Story Pizza

Pizza Planet Chicken Salad - Mixed greens, grilled chicken, cantaloupe, cucumber, red onion, tomato, green peas, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette $7.19

Caprese Salad - Mixed Greens, red and yellow grape tomatoes, mozzarella, kalamata olives, cucumber, fresh basil and balsamic vinaigrette $6.49


Electric Umbrella

Tossed Island Chicken Salad with mango, pineapple, and raisins, in a fat-free Italian dressing $7.19

Vegetable Wrap with hummus, zucchini, lettuce, cucumber, carrotts, roasted red peppers, balsamic vinaigrette and apple slices $6.79

Toluca Lakes Turkey Company
Turkey Leg $5.49

Nine Dragons
Sha Cha Beef Skewers - Savory beef flavored with Sha Cha sauce $7.99
Easy on the sauce

Canton Pepper Beef -- Sliced beef stir-fried with onion, green and red peppers. $13.99

Sunshine Seasons in Epcot has rotisserie meats, stir fry and salads


I have celiac so I use lettuce or corn tortillas to wrap a hot dog or burger. You can reduce carbs by asking to substitute (sometimes that does not work), asking them easy or no sauce, and hold the bun. There are many articles and guides on the internet for people going to WDW. There are many counter service options out there.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Try the Lands End catalog. If you can't get ahold of one try the website. They have several different options and the soles are more contored(please forgive my spelling) than the water socks you get from a wallmart. Better for your feet. As for the person that has a waterpark nearby that won't let them wear them go to the management and tell them your problem, they should let you use them. If you don't get anywhere with that remind them that they could be out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilityies Act. If you don't get anywhere consider reporting them to the state.

 

[bopper]

Try the Lands End catalog. If you can't get ahold of one try the website. They have several different options and the soles are more contored(please forgive my spelling) than the water socks you get from a wallmart. Better for your feet. As for the person that has a waterpark nearby that won't let them wear them go to the management and tell them your problem, they should let you use them. If you don't get anywhere with that remind th em that they could be out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilityies Act. If you don't get anywhere consider reporting them to the state.

The waterparks will generally let you wear water shoes...But on certain slides they won't (for your safety). So you have to avoid those slides or take them off. I do like those Land End water shoes as they have more cushioning and support. Sears also sells them.

 

[kimsuenew]

I am type 2, recently diagnosed last fall, but even before... anytime I am going to be in water (be it at the Y, ocean, local pool, wherever) I wear "Surf Shoes". These are available almost anywhere, we always get ours at our local Walmart and I think I have never paid more than $10.00 for a pair. I usually buy a couple at at time. Because of my mobility issues, the only exercise I get is being in the water at our local YMCA. I wear them there, and even use them while showering there (I hand wash/rinse them after dressing). I am sure these would work perfectly for Disney waterparks and pools. I bought a new pair (to match my new suit) for our 2007 trip and used them in the SSR pool... no one said anything.

 

[disneyfool_1202]

Here's a link for the Ryka swim sneakers (they are pricey) - I believe I got them from a sporting goods store. Ryka Swim Sneakers.

I couldn't find the Lands End one's but SwimOutlet seems to have a large selection.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Here's a link for the Ryka swim sneakers (they are pricey) - I believe I got them from a sporting goods store. Ryka Swim Sneakers.

I couldn't find the Lands End one's but SwimOutlet seems to have a large selection.

Thanks for the links. I am going to pass the info. on to DM.

 

[wdhinn89]

- I say you can do ANYTHING you want to do - don't let the diabetes hold you back!

My motto for the last three years!

 

[3StitchFans]

I am a type II and I wear my crocs everywhere even the water parks. I just dried my feet and crocs when we left the pool and didn't have any trouble. Wore them to water parks as well.

Hope this helps.
Sherry