Diabetic's and the WDW Meal Plan, Do you use it??

[tink2dw]

I haven't been to WDW since Spring Break 2001. Between much much more walking and Dh wanting to save dollars on site to eat more cheaply off site and really not understanding my newly dx condition and when I said I need food now!! I wasn't eating enough to balance all the exersice and had a blood sugar low of 40.

After this episode Dh is much much better at hearing me when I tell him I NEED to eat.

We are going Dec 1-10, 2006. One more change will be that I will be using a ECV this trip. I have bad knees.

We are planning on staying on-site at WDW and I'm considering doing the dining plan for 3 reasons
1. I need to not skip meals, need not to eat fried foods and I do need to eat good foods
2. The food is pre paid so it changes the way we deal with food, it seems like it would be a more positive experience for us both.
3. It seems like it could save us money in the long run?? Since, We are going for 10 days.

Do other Diabetics use the Dining plan?? If so how? If not what do you do? Please I really need all your advice and help!! What do you think??

 

[SueM in MN]

I have not used the meal plan and I am not a diabetic, so others with more experience may disagree. Here's what I think from what I have read.

A big positive is that since your food is already paid for, you can easily budget.
A big negative is that it seems like some people might eat more than they would otherwise because they have already paid for it and want to make sure they get their money's worth.

Having menus beforehand should help you make choices. There are menus available here on the DIS site (if you want to see all the restaurants, just click on 'submit' without making any choices) and on Deb Will's site

 

[BCV23]

I agree with Sue's points.

We haven't used the new plan yet but will probably do so for a DVC stay this year. But we used to do the old Gold plan for many years with our son who was diagnosed at six. It worked very well for him. Now that plan used to exclude counter service restaurants in parks so the new plan is different in that it includes a counter service meal each night of the plan.

One nice thing about table service is that you can make Advance Reservations and then you plan your time around that. That way you're not tempted to go on one more attraction before you eat. But you could do the same with counter service by just setting meal times ahead and sticking to them. One good thing these days is that counter service places have so many more good choices than they used to.

The desserts in the TS restaurants might be tempting but anytime we have tried to get our son just a scoop of vanilla ice cream, we have been able to do so. I know the restaurants will also serve sugar free desserts with advance notice but we don't do that for him as we are clueless on what carbs are in them.

But I would go for it as it sounds as if will make your vacation more stress free.

 

[Lil' Debbie]

I have not used the dining plan with our son. We just stop every couple of hours, do the check and get something into his body. We have asked for sugar free syrup at a sit down breakfast and have had no problem. They do carry the sugar free stuff, you just have to ask for it. As for the ice cream, we do not give him the sugar free brand. He gets his ice cream at night, for the carbs and for the fat content, which helps keep him more level throughout the night. But do your homework and decide which way will work best for you. Once you decide what way you will go, you will be able to enjoy your time without worrying what your next move will be.

 

[BCV23]

We do ice cream at night as well. For years it was his standard although now he doesn't need it each night. We use the ice cream cups which are really more like ice milk according to one of the dietician's. Doesn't work at well at WDW in regular resorts because of no freezer. We do milk and graham or animial crackers then.

We also don't do sugar free ice cream or yogurt.

And yes, all the restaurants have sugar free syrup.

 

[Selket]

My 4 yr old is a type 1 diabetic and also has food allergy issues - the allergy issues are actually much more of a problem than the diabetes when it comes to dining for us.

I don't know about saving money - I think it would depend on whether you like to do at least 1 sit down reservation every day. If so, you could note the diabetes when you make the ADR and that would give you some access to the chef. He/she could (hopefully) accomodate some special requests you might have for a meal - perhaps with lower carbs or more balanced carbs (or at least carbs you like to eat!) and also a dessert that would work for you. It would give you perhaps more control over what you plan to eat each day - at least for the sit down dinner.

For counter service I think it would be useful to look through what is available and what you could eat. CS comes with dessert too - not sure what substitutions they make - perhaps fruit? Assuming that works for you. It is indeed a balancing act - depending on whether you are running high or low you might need more or less sugar/carbs as you know!

I think as Sue says - as long as the dining plan wouldn't tempt you to eat too much food then it is fine. I think it would require some careful choices because the table meal gives you so much food (appetizer, main course and dessert that you have to eat sitting there all at once!). However, as I said, the chef could perhaps tailor the meal to your needs. Perhaps you could even box up the dessert to go and eat a couple of hours later to even out getting the carbs all at once.

The CS places nor sit-downs are able to tell you the carb counts in your food at WDW. If you carb count perhaps you're already expert at it! I know I can figure out the carbs in about anything at this point - at least get close I think. What really helps is getting a good carb counting book (I have "The Doctor's Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter" that includes fast food). Get used to estimating how many carbs in what size apple or what 20 carbs of rice looks like, etc. I also use a nutritional scale at home to weigh William's food and it gives me a carb count (this is the one I have: http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1849160#product_ you can find it cheaper). I've gotten so used to seeing portion sizes, etc. that I know now what 15 carbs of fries looks like when we go to McDonalds - LOL!

It sounds like you are on the right track wanting to eat healthy and plan out the meals in advance so you don't end up eating at the 1st place you walk by. Always a good thing IMHO!

Have a great trip!

 

[BCV23]

If you do use the plan, don't feel that you must eat everything included. Our son usually had no dessert when we were on the plan. If the rest of the family just couldn't resist, we would order him ice cream or I would leave with him (he has Down Syndrome as well so a little harder to explain to him).

There are lots of low calorie appetizers in the table service restaurants and very few entrees are fried. Lots of fish too which our son loves and seems to work well for him.

 

[donna6635]

My DH is diabetic and we used the dining plan in Sept when we last visited the world and I had no problems using it. I carb count, not calorie count when figuring out his intake for the day. Still needed to purchase some things, but since we went when the plan was included free, it worked out well. Going back in May and have purchased the plan for this stay.

 

[tink2dw]

I have heard that many Diabetics carb count but have no idea why or how it helps or how to even count. Would someone please explain. PS I'm terrible at math. Will I need a calulator??

 

[Livi'sMom]

I'm diabetic and we did WDW in late Aug/early Sept on the Meal plan and it was great. The places where we chose to ate lunch always had healthy choices so that I could keep level and planning out our ts dinners allowed me to check out their menus ahead of time and plan accordingly. It's all in the chices!

 

[Selket]

I have heard that many Diabetics carb count but have no idea why or how it helps or how to even count. Would someone please explain. PS I'm terrible at math. Will I need a calulator??

Are you type 2? Do you take insulin & what type?

My son is type 1 which is rather different (a person is insulin dependent) and I had gestational diabetes which is closer to type 2. When I had gestational diabetes I was put on a "meal plan" that gave me a certain number of servings of milk a day plus a certain number of carbs at each meal and a certain number of carbs for snacks (like I could have a 45 carb dinner and a 15 carb snack, etc.).

I'm sure when you talked to a diabetes educator that gave you a plan to follow - perhaps with exchanges? Exchanges are a form of carb counting but carb counting is, overall I think, easier because everything you buy has a carb count on it. Or are you on a meal plan with a certain amount of food from each food group?

Most type 1 diabetics count carbs and then take insulin based on the amount of carbs they consume (perhaps 1 unit for every 15 carbs - that is just an example it isn't the same for everyone). So sometimes my son eats 40 carbs for dinner and I do the math (40/15) to figure out how many units of insulin to give. The next day he might eat 47 carbs so 47/15=x units of insulin. The math is pretty straightforward. In fact his insulin pump calculates it all for you if you want to input the numbers.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[poohbear7]

My husband is a Diabetic. When we went if we weren't sure we would ask the wait staff and they would check with the chef. Often the chef would come and talk to us and adjust the menu for my husband. He had no problems except at Raglens Pub Downtown Disney. If you aren't sure of the menu just ask they are very accomodating.

 

[tink2dw]

I 'm type 2 diabetic and when I went to the classes it was all about portion size a 1/4 cup cooked noodles which is about 8 spoon fulls. Who [adult]can eat only a 1/4 cup of noodles?? Which I find is no help at all. And they said not to cut out eating any one type of food just eat healthy meals. Hmmm That can mean so many different things to different people. Also not alot of help.

I take insulin. 70/30 Novolin 2 shots aday 75 units each time. It's down from 85 units two years ago. I should test but testing hurts so bloody Damn much, I don't usually. Unless I feel weird. Does anyone smell a weird smell when their sugars are too high?? I'm trying to figure out if this related to Diabetes or my focal[I stay totally alert through the whole deal.]siezers??

Oh and they told me to exercise for more control. But I hurt my foot, then my knee went out, and with my Addisons Disease [a muscle fatigue] it is very hard.

But I'm hanging in there and would like more carb counting info,please?

 

[BCV23]

I wouldn't worry about carb counting unless your doctor or medical team tells you to do so. Many of us who have responded have children who are type I.

My son is on lantus and humalog. Lantus/once per day. Humalog at each meal and any snacks over 15 carbs (other than his bedtime boost when he needs it). I test him at least four times a day. He is on a 1/10 ratio most of the time so he gets one unit of humalog for every 10 carbs in a meal. But at places without a carb count, I have to eyeball it just as you were taught to do with portions. Hope that helps a bit about the carb counting.

 

[Selket]

tink2dw

First of all please realize my son is type 1 and I have limited experience with type 2 (my own gestational diabetes & family members that are type 2) so with that in mind....

I would HIGHLY suggest that you seek out a Certified Diabetes Educator and a good one! A really good one! A really really really good one! I would also expect that your doctor is doing an A1c test (blood test) to see how well your control is. You can also get home A1c tests for about $25 but your doctor should be doing it for you so he/she can help interpret the results.

I honestly feel like the best approach is to learn carb counting. The carbs in the food are going to be your major concern and I'd think it would help to learn some guidelines like how to count carbs, how to tell how many carbs are in foods and how many carbs per meal and snack you should be eating. All of that depends on so many factors (age, weight, health, etc.) that you really need a certified diabetes educator (CDE) to help you.

I also suggest that you test yourself at least 4 times a day. I certainly hope that your insurance will cover a visit with a CDE - if not try to go back and talk to your doctor and get a referral to a CDE if you can - a one-on-one meeting rather than a class. If not, perhaps you can retake the class and talk to the CDE afterwards.

It is possible that what you are doing is working well - no way for me to tell! However you sound unhappy with the meal plan they have you on. Eating healthy DOES mean something different for those with diabetes I think (learning to portion out the carbs in my opinion - you can have them - just have to spread them out and not over eat). Even mild exercise (walk around the block after a meal) can make a big difference.

My brother is type 2, very overweight, never tests himself and I have no doubts that he will eventually face some serious complications as he gets older. Sorry for the nagging but if you feel like it isn't working for you -and you sound motivated (!) - talk to your doctor about making changes and learning more about the disease. Best of luck to you!

 

[tink2dw]

Thank you All for the advice.

I know I need to go see my Dr. but he needs a month of tests to see what to do.

I tell you that the test needle thingys HURT a bazillion times more the the shots do! I could take a 1000 shots and it wouldn't hurt as much. And i'm not a sissy either.

I keep hoping they will get that test watch thing to work. I did see on the news that the Goverment okayed Inhaled Insulin I will be bugging my hmo to get that!!!!

Okay who has something good to bite on so I can take the pain. Is it cheating if I put Orajel and Ambesol on my finger to deaden the pain first???? Maybe I am a sissy darn!! I bet your kids don't bat an eye when you prick there fingers. lol

 

[Selket]

You are right about that - William doesn't miss a beat when I test his finger - LOL! He keeps playing with one hand while I have the other. It does amaze me how unconcerned he is about finger testing.

Have you talked to your doctor about alternate site testing? They make meters, etc. now that allow for you to test your arm. There are many meters out on the market that use a pin prick of blood - a very tiny amount. Seems like the freestyle was one - I tried that out at a "diabetes expo" that came to town. Perhaps talk to your doctor about switching to a different meter that uses less blood if that is an option.

That inhaled insulin does sound very interesting - although not approved for children. With William's problems with asthma I don't think he'd be able to use it anytime soon however. It is great however that you have no problems with shots.

It sounds like you are on the right track - I hope you will bug your doctor and see if you can make some changes to make your diabetes fit your lifestyle better - and to assure your good health! Just remember that diabetes is a VERY individual disease and there are lots of options out there for treatment. I continue to be amazed at how some doctors won't even offer some options to their patients - or don't even seem to KNOW how some options work.

Enjoy planning your WDW trip - back to the original question - have you decided on the meal plan?

 

[tink2dw]

I think it would be a good option. I know in 2001 for 3 of us we spent a $100. aday. So, the costs seem like it would be doable. If I can get a good resort rate? Or is it a package rate I need? Back to www.Mousaver.com to glean more info!! I will report back when it is coming together more!! When I get a plan!!

[OT- I'M A LITTLE WHEEZY THIS MORNING, beter get out my inhaler.]

 

[jennifer293]

I am a recently diagnosed Type 2 diabetic and I too carb count. I take Metformin 3 times a day. I make sure I eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day. I am going to use the dining plan but kinda concerned about it when it comes to the snacking selections. I didn't notice much sugar-free things last year because I was not diabetic then, but I don't like chips, popcorn, and would really LOVE some ice cream but regular ice cream is too much sugar for me...Let me know if anyone knows what I can do about sugar free snacks please!!!

 

[BCV23]

I though I read that you can get a piece of fresh fruit for a snack? I need to research this myself as I'm thinking of adding the plan for our next DVC stay.