Diabetic cruisers

[msr709]

How or what is the procedure to get salt-free or sugar-free foods for diabetics on the cruise. I was recently (last week) diagnosed with diabetes and I know all too well what happens to a diabetic when they don't follow their diet (having the disease in my family since forever). Anyway, how or who do I contact about this when I go on the cruise, any of the "cruise experts" out there that is also a diabetic that can give me some pointers? I'd appreciate it! TIA!!

 

[Tigfanjeff]

Originally posted by msr709
How or what is the procedure to get salt-free or sugar-free foods for diabetics on the cruise. I was recently (last week) diagnosed with diabetes and I know all too well what happens to a diabetic when they don't follow their diet (having the disease in my family since forever). Anyway, how or who do I contact about this when I go on the cruise, any of the "cruise experts" out there that is also a diabetic that can give me some pointers? I'd appreciate it! TIA!!

Type 1 or Type 2. If your Type 2 you can get away with a bit, especially if you are recently diagnosed (by a bit, I mean the cheesecake won't kill you).

That said, give the Cruise Line a call and they can make sure you're accomodated. They do have a selection of reduced sugar deserts that is always on the menu as well.

I myself am a Type 2 diabetic with some very odd quirks (and being 27 when diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes isn't exactly common either) but I never experienced a sugar headache on the cruise (generally the feeling I get when my blood sugar is getting elevated). Realize that stress plays a lot with blood sugar in type 2 diabetics and the cruise is QUITE stress relieving.

Of course my DW is now going to pop in and correct everything that I've said wrong, but to summarize, realize this, if your sugar is well controlled, 80-120, and your A1C is under 7, you can splurge a little bit. If it isn't, the ice tea is unsweetened, the wait staff will go to great lengths to accomodate you, and Palo's Souffle isn't sugar free.

If your a type 1, obviously this changes radically. Do let your server know, do make sure you eat regularly, and do let the cruise line know and match your meal time on the boat with your dinner time at home. Let them know its medically necessary to have the early or late seating, and stress that to them. If they can't accomodate you, talk to a manager, but I wouldn't expect that to happen. Whoever said variety is the spice of life obviously wasn't a diabetic.

 

[cdnmickeylover]

I just cruised on the 10/11 cruise and was amazed at the choices. At dinner each night there are sugarfree desserts offered which are great. I'm a type 2 diabetic so food consumption is a big part of the control. Unlike Tigfanjeff though my reaction to too much sugar is to nap. Ironic huh? Sugar doesn't energize me at all it puts me to sleep!

Before cruising I didn't call the cruise line but wasn't all that concerned because after 2 years I know what I can and can't get away with. Our head server was great -- the first night he asked why I was getting the sugar free dessert and I explained that I was diabetic. He never commented on food that I left on the plate and always made of point of telling me about the sugar free desserts. The last night I did order a 'regular' dessert and I said that I'd been good all week so that I was going to splurge -- everyone at the table laughed and he said that yup I'd been very good all week.

Besides desserts there is also a section on the menu that offers lighter fare -- I believe it was salmon, chicken and steak every night.

Have a great cruise.

 

[Talking Hands]

I didn't have a problem with the food except for desserts. Desserts were a problem because I also cannot use aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet). Although I informed them of this well in advance my needs were not accommodated by the cruise line and I had nothing for desserts but fruit. I dealt with it but was not happy watching my table mates enjoy awesome desserts while I had none. Last night I cheated and ordered a fabulous dessert and had a few bites.
Seems that the people onshore do not coordinate with the people onboard when it comes to special dietary needs. Sad because Boma could fully accommodate me including an awesome dessert sweetened with Splenda.

 

[IrishCowboy]

I'll admit, I "cheated" and ordered dessert every night, but limited myself to just one or two bites.

Before and after each meal, I would regularly check my glucose level. The new Freestyle monitors make it easy and convenient to stay on top of things.

I also make a special request when booking to ensure that I have a good cooler/refrigerator in my room to keep my medication chilled.

Enjoy your cruise!