Dining with diabetes

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

hello!

well two years ago one member of our group was told he had type 2 diabetes. now, it is very much in control. he knows what he can eat and all that is great. everyone is very happy with how he has progressed, levels always between 4-7 and 5-10 . He knows he can have a splurge here and there, especially if he has a meal of grilled chicken salad if he knows he wants a treat! LOL!

BUT most days he won't splurge on the dessert. As everyone has the regular dining plan, the dinner includes dessert.

What in your experience will they do for him if he can't have the traditional dessert on the menu? Would fruit be allowed to be substituted (and yes we know it's high in sugar but the dieticians and doctors say he is fine) or are there other 'sugar free' or 'low sugar' alternatives for him?

Also at breakfast, he is so excited to get in on mickey waffles LOL is there a diabetic syrup that he can ask for?

I am sure there are many on here with experience in this regard. Thank you!

 

[Glee1973]

hello!

well two years ago one member of our group was told he had type 2 diabetes. now, it is very much in control. he knows what he can eat and all that is great. everyone is very happy with how he has progressed, levels always between 4-7 and 5-10 . He knows he can have a splurge here and there, especially if he has a meal of grilled chicken salad if he knows he wants a treat! LOL!

BUT most days he won't splurge on the dessert. As everyone has the regular dining plan, the dinner includes dessert.

What in your experience will they do for him if he can't have the traditional dessert on the menu? Would fruit be allowed to be substituted (and yes we know it's high in sugar but the dieticians and doctors say he is fine) or are there other 'sugar free' or 'low sugar' alternatives for him?

Also at breakfast, he is so excited to get in on mickey waffles LOL is there a diabetic syrup that he can ask for?

I am sure there are many on here with experience in this regard. Thank you!

In my experience they do have sugar free syrup! At POR they leave it near the condiment station in the mornings. Enjoy!

 

[Sadie22]

Sugar free items often are worse for type 2 diabetics than the regular version.

 

[unrequited23]

We were just on a trip with my mom, who has type 2 diabetes. She overindulged a bit--ghiradelli hot fudge sundae, long island iced tea and beignets with caramel sauce all in the same day...there was a salad for lunch though. I would recommend balance to your friend. Try to have a protein with your simple carbs, ex. sausage with your mickey waffles. There were a lot of sugar free options I noticed-prepackages cookies/brownies, fruit, ice cream and popsicles.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Sugar free is not low carb. Carbs are the issue not so much sugar. Sugar free often has as many carbs

Anyhoo, back to your question
There is sugarfree syrup, ask at each venue

For desserts, ask at each place. There is no one rule in place

 

[sharonabe]

What in your experience will they do for him if he can't have the traditional dessert on the menu? Would fruit be allowed to be substituted (and yes we know it's high in sugar but the dieticians and doctors say he is fine) or are there other 'sugar free' or 'low sugar' alternatives for him?

At a TS they MAY let him get a small salad, cup of soup, or an extra veggie instead of his dessert. Ask nicely and explain, but they may still only offer the sugar-free dessert. All TS have at least one sugar-free dessert, but as others have said, that can be worse than a regular one.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I would list his condition in your reservations and mention you are on DDP and are looking for low-carb substitution options for his TS dessert if possible. Cheese plates, side vegs, side salads, etc...

 

[CraigInPA]

At the signatures and most table service restaurants, you'll find a cheese plate offered as a dessert option. While there is often a "no sugar added" dessert, it's often rather high in natural sugars and carbohydrates. I recall one at Narcoossee's that was so carbohydrate loaded that you'd be better off having the regular almond crusted cheesecake instead.

There is a sugar free syrup available at the various venues at breakfast. My wife had it with her breakfasts at the Contempo Cafe, Kona Cafe, and the Crystal Palace.

 

[TiffanyA]

I recommend letting restaurants know your friend is diabetic. Disney tries hard to be diet-friendly.

There are fruit options that are lower sugar such as berries - strawberries, blueberries, etc. I am low carb at home and while I do splurge at Disney, I find having too much sugar and carbs makes me crash harder than it did before. I balance it out by having things like coffee and tea for dessert and asking for a small scoop of gelato/ice cream with berries. I have a few bites of the ice cream with the berries, then fill it out with my coffee or tea. The cheese plate suggestion is also one I have utilized at times.

Tips:
I carry truvia, almonds (two types - slivered and roasted) and a couple of quest bars with me at all times - for when I hit a sweet craving but don't want something just laden with sugar.

I will sometimes find plain greek yogurt at the fruit stands or food courts. I add some truvia and a couple of the slivered almonds I brought with me and voila! Sweet treat.

When I choose to splurge, it's often with desserts with a higher fat content - like ice cream/gelato or creme brulee. The fat content lowers the glycemic index and does not increase blood sugar levels as badly as say the famous Disney cronut. Keep in mind I mean real ice cream, not a Mickey bar.

I am so glad to hear his Type 2 is under control! Hope you all have a magical trip

 

[Sadie22]

I don't agree with let the restaurant know. Each person's needs can be different. Someone else is not going to know how to manage the diabetic's blood sugar levels. The diabetic person needs to do that.

 

[Gracie09]

I don't agree with let the restaurant know. Each person's needs can be different. Someone else is not going to know how to manage the diabetic's blood sugar levels. The diabetic person needs to do that.

I agree. Some diabetics I know can adjust their insulin or know when they are low so will indulge in dessert that they may normally avoid.

 

[TiffanyA]

I don't agree with let the restaurant know. Each person's needs can be different. Someone else is not going to know how to manage the diabetic's blood sugar levels. The diabetic person needs to do that.

I was not expecting the restaurant to manage anyone's blood sugar levels? But they might have suggestions about what has less sugar. I've gone and told them I was watching my sugar/carb intake (type 2 diabetes runs in my family). I totally understand that each individual should be responsible for knowing what they can and can't eat in the case of intolerance/sensitivity/allergy.

Honestly, what does it hurt to tell the waiter about it?

 

[JeannieMarie]

Sugar free items often are worse for type 2 diabetics than the regular version.

I have diabetes, type 2, and I go with the regular stuff and not the sugar free. Just use less, I guess.

 

[Judique]

No artificial sweeteners here either.

I found it difficult to order at Disney when I was first there after diagnosis of Type 2. Everything seemed so carb heavy!

Now I know how to eat and how to order. I just eliminate the items I shouldn't have in quantity. I did go to Via Napoli because I wanted the experience and I had a slice of pizza with some salad, but in general I avoid pasta type entrees.

If I were to get a dining plan which is now highly unlikely, I'd probably skip the desserts or choose something small and just eat a few bites.

You can always tell them you are diabetic and ask if plain fruit such as strawberries or blueberries are available, but I haven't done this. I keep them in my villa.

 

[Sadie22]

It hurts to tell the waiter if they substitute something which not only does not taste good but is actually worse in terms of carbs, fat, calories, salt, what have you. It's important for the Person With Diabetes to understand their own metabolism and needs and make choices. Sharing a dessert is a great way to do this.

 

[Googilycub]

My hubby was just diagnosed, and we leave next week (so I am freaking out a bit!). I called and asked about desserts (because we are on the dining plan). They told me that most restaurants will be able to offer him fruit instead of the dessert. I also in the past have been able to sub at a few restaurants (i.e., a salad instead of a dessert). I am not a big fan of sweets, so I always ask if I can have anything else. Hope this helps!

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

I would list his condition in your reservations and mention you are on DDP and are looking for low-carb substitution options for his TS dessert if possible. Cheese plates, side vegs, side salads, etc...

yes, cheese plate is a huge hit for him I am not expecting much at quick service, it is mainly table service that we are enquiring about.

re: Carbs : he has lost a tremendous amount of weight. His dieticians and diabetes nurse that he sees every 3 months (now will be only 2 times a year due to progress) can't believe how well he has done. Carbs vs fibre and sugar are checked all the time. Lots of veggies and meats for dinners, thin and low carb bread filled with lettuce cheese and meats for lunch. He has the diet down pat. But always a good reminder re the carbs!

WIll make sure a diabetes comment is added on his res, he didn't want to worry about a chef coming out and making a fuss, he just wanted to know if there were alternatives for desserts when they are not wanted. Sounds like all he has to do is speak up at the restaurant.

planned adrs: 1900 Park Fare, Whispering Canyon, Chefs De France, Garden Grill, BOG, Hollywood and vine, Crystal Palace (breakfast) Chef Mickey (breakfast) Akershus (Breakfast, great cheese and meat selection) and Ohana's Breakfast In otherwords, lots of buffets so he can still try different things while monitoring his intake and what he eats. Garden Grill and BOG and WCC and CDF would be the 4 meals that he would be probably most enquiring about.

Thank you!

 

[Sadie22]

It would also be a violation of that person's privacy and just plain wrong for another person who might be making ADRs to add this information. Absolutely do not do this to anyone without that person's request and permission.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Plus the Dx does not indicate the need

 

[TiffanyA]

1. I thought the friend would be aware of that his friend (the OP) is asking. I would definitely ask permission before modifying anything.
2. I think talking about it being a violation of privacy is an overreaction.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that is primarily managed through diet. As we are talking about dining, I believe the Dx does indicate the need, unless I am misunderstanding something.

Just to be clear, here is an example of when I told the waiter I was watching my carbs.

"I think I'll have the caesar salad, but since I am watching my carbs, can you tell me if the dressing is low fat or full fat?" Low fat dressing often replaces the fat with sugar

"I'm watching my carbs. Is it possible to sub out the hash browns that comes with the eggs for a side of fruit?"

I don't think they'd make a substitution without telling you about it and ultimately you are responsible for what you're putting in your mouth when trying to manage a condition!