Diabetes and Diet

[Goofyman10]

Can someone tell me how difficult or east it is to follow a low carb diet in the parks for diabetes? Also are there many sugarfree choices? Thanks.

 

[Talking Hands]

It is easy if you are careful about your choices. Sugar free, some but I will warn you that sugar-free doesn't mean carb free. They do not give you carb counts.

 

[Selket]

sugar-free doesn't mean carb free.

I agree - some of the sugar-free items have as many or almost as many carbs as the regular stuff. Some of it has sugar alcohols which can cause diarrhea for some people.

If you have sit-down dinners planned you can talk to the chef and get items without sauces, etc. Let your server know that you have diabetes and/or have it noted on your reservation ahead of time.

I have seen threads on the restaurants board about sugar-free desserts served around WDW but I don't have any links - perhaps a search?

I have also read that all of the walking can have a big impact on your blood sugar. My experience is with type 1 (my young son is type 1) - so I know this is certainly an issue for him. If you are on meds that could lower your bg that could be an issue for type 2 as well.

Have a great trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't know how many of them include dessert info, but there are some links about diabetes in post 3 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread.

 

[Goofyman10]

My sugar is controlled by diet so meds won't be impacted by walking. I would think the walking will be good for me with blood sugar control as I really need to exercise more than I do! Maybe that will counteract any small cheats I get tempted into!

 

[Figaro]

The only table service restaurant that was able to give me the carb counts of the food was Beaches and Cream. I talked with the manager, and her Mom is a diabetic which is why she has that information available.

Hope that helps!

 

[mechurchlady]

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/rev_lowcarb.htm
http://allearsnet.com/pl/diabetes.htm

Those are two good articles on low carb and diabetes. My aunt for too long has been bringing my mother sugar-free sugar wafer type of cookies. I stood stunned that i had so much calories and carbs. She is happy with her midnight snack of 2-3 Oreo cookies instead of that yunky tasting stuff.

Table service is easy to get low carb meals that are yummy but counter service requires your planning. Also contact Joan Bennet, see FAQS for more help and information on low carb diets in the parks.

 

[jayandstacey]

The only table service restaurant that was able to give me the carb counts of the food was Beaches and Cream. I talked with the manager, and her Mom is a diabetic which is why she has that information available.

Hope that helps!

One of the male managers is also Type 1 himself, and wears the same pump as our DD6. We have also spoken with the woman you mention here.

Dumb as this sounds, it really may be Beaches and Cream that is the 1st reason we go back to Disney. It is shocking and disappointing that Disney refuses to publish nutritional info. But it is equally heart warming to know we can go to Beaches and Cream to revisit our friends who will help out despite Disney's stance.

In a way, B&C is the last place you'd expect to be "diabetes friendly" yet I'm convinced that good knowledge about the foods we eat can overcome any sugar-free status (this is of course more true for type 1 vs type 2). So we go to B&C at every chance. We stay in that area to ensure that we can get to B&C. And I'd say there are three meals in my future that I look forward to:
- B&C this coming Christmas
- my retirement dinner in 25 years or so
- my DD6's reception dinner following her wedding.

Seriously. The B&C folks have no idea what a difference it makes, and Disney has no idea the message they send throughout the rest of the property.