Disney Dining For Diabetics

[pattikakes]

We will be leaving in four days and this is the first time we're going since being diagnosed with diabetes. I'd really love to hear from people who have dealt with this in the past as far as it comes to the Disney Dining. I'd like some input on restaurants that are diabetic friendly, menus, snacks, etc. Perhaps some tips from those experienced at dealing with this. Since I was just diagnosed, I'm just feeling my way and it's a little overwhelming, especially with traveling. Fortunately, I only have to take oral meds.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Luckily I am still on oral meds only as well. Check the menus and let the server know you are diabetic. They will tell you what is good for diabetics on the menu and sometimes will even bring the chef out to talk with you. Most of the table services have some sort of diabetic dessert. Ohana has an apple crisp dessert with no sugar added ice cream that is to die for. So basically don't hide the fact that you are diabetic. Ask what they have.

 

[buffettgirl]

I would just like to clarify that you mean type 2 diabetes. Just saying "diabetes" doesn't mean much, as people handling food with type 1 very differently. Your best bet at Disney is to educate yourself on food before you go. What foods your body can handle, and what foods cause you trouble. What foods have what amounts of carbs.

You can get a small pocked sized book called "calorie king" , or an app for your phone, like figwee or fat secret, where you can look up the nutritional information on various foods. Disney will NOT provide this information.

As for the chefs, they're pretty clueless. All they understand is "sugar" in relation to diabetes, and sometimes they understand 'bread'. LOL. So a desert with apples still has tons of carbs. They'll simply steer you away from items like cake, and steer you towards fruit. Obviously, fruit is healthier, but often, it has just as many carbs and often it's harder for your body to handle.

And another thing to know is that many people have a LOT of trouble digesting the sugar alcohols in sugar free foods. And many times, those sugar free foods have just as many carbs as the traditional counterpart. They often load up on other products to thicken them and sweeten them.

 

[pattikakes]

Yes, I'm sorry, Type 2. Anyone know of certain restaurants that are easier to eat at for diabetics? I understand several places have things like sugar free ice cream, candies, etc.

 

[buffettgirl]

Like I said, I would just educate yourself as much as you can before going. Often, those sugar free items have as many carbs as the real things. And disney isn't going to give you ANY carb count. So there is really no way of knowing what you're actually getting.

Many restaurants will have option, though they really won't be giving you what you truly need. Many locations serve "babycakes" items, which all have quite a bit of carb in them, despite them being offered as "diabetic friendly".

This page has some helpful info:
http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/disney-dining-references/
and that same website also has a search tool.

But again, sugar free cookies - nearly the same number of carbs as real cookies. This is a good example:
http://www.murraysugarfree.com/product-detail.aspx?id=869 The carb content of those cookies is 20g for 3 cookies. Chips ahoy is 22g. Even though the first has 'no sugars' doesn't mean it's good for you. It's still loaded with carbohydrate, which, once in your body behaves the same as just shoving sugar in there. Your body doesn't know the difference. Plus, most sugar free items are higher in fat, sodium, and fillers.

So that's why I say, it's really best if you educate yourself before you go - you'll have a much better handle on what you can eat, and you'll probably be surprised that you can really enjoy most "real" foods, in moderation, rather than resorting to fake sugar which will most certainly send you running to the bathroom. Nothing like getting into a line at Soarin' and realizing the fake sugar has kicked in.

 

[book_junkie]

Another thing to watch out for as far as the "diabetic" desserts, etc. is the way your body may process the "sugar substitutes". I know my body does weird things with sugar alcohols in the sugar free candies and ice creams (and it will spike my readings) so I will balance things out.

Take with you or get in your phone a cheat sheet with your mental images of what your carbs should be, and your portion sizes so that you stay on track- what your serving size of carbs should look like compared to your hand, what your serving size of meat should be. I like the lifehacker picture and find it helpful. Portion sizes are crazy, and most places you'll be able to eat half of what they serve you and be more than OK on your counts.

Also, OP, make sure to stay hydrated and test often. More than likely you'll do more walking in Disney than you do normally, so your readings may actually go DOWN and you may find yourself with lows, especially if you are newly diagnosed. Learn the warning signs for hypoglycemia and have someone else in your party learn them as well so that they can help you out- I'm one of those *lucky* ones that can't tell when I drop and I drop suddenly so my husband usually has to remind me to get a snack or something.

Have fun!

 

[Lorelei528]

Yeah, I'm type 1 diabetic (on an insulin pump) and have been for over 40 years...I don't even eat the "sugar free desserts" if I want something, I share with DH..
That being said, just watch your blood sugars and eat accordingly.

If I know I want a dessert or a drink, I tend to eat no carbs with my entree or take extra insulin....

I know you can't do that on oral meds, but if you watch your blood sugars, you'll know what to do. I agree that research is important and to be honest, everyone's different...
I will say, make sure you ALWAYS carry something with you (I like the Disney fruit snack packs) because if you experience a low, you will most likely not have time to find food, buy it, etc....or get to First Aid etc...

 

[ttintagel]

Honestly, carbohydrate counting is something Type 2's should be just as aware of. They just need to do different things with the information.

 

[Lorelei528]

Honestly, carbohydrate counting is something Type 2's should be just as aware of. They just need to do different things with the information.

ummm...I never said they didn't.....

 

[buffettgirl]

Honestly, carbohydrate counting is something Type 2's should be just as aware of. They just need to do different things with the information.

Pretty much this was my whole point.

It's important for anyone with diabetes, regardless of the type, to know this information for themselves, and not rely on some non-medical chef who probably doesn't really understand the first thing about diabetes, beyond a vague belief that it has something to do with "sugar".

I think everyone has given the OP some really good, real life, info.

(and I also agree, carry your supplies with you - especially something to treat lows. Be prepared, don't assume you'll be able to jump into a quick service line . )

 

[ttintagel]

ummm...I never said they didn't.....

And I didn't suggest you did! So, I'm not sure why you quoted me. But I'm sure we're all on the same page.

 

[Talking Hands]

I have been a type 1 diabetic for over 30 years and I count carbs. If I want dessert I will eat it but often share with my husband or just take a few bites and leave the rest. You just have to set your mind to the fact you can't eat the whole thing. Also I will leave out high carb sides if I want to partake of dessert. Stick with plain meats and veggies. Drink water or tea instead of diet drinks.

 

[LindaBabe]

I have been a type 1 diabetic for over 30 years and I count carbs. If I want dessert I will eat it but often share with my husband or just take a few bites and leave the rest. You just have to set your mind to the fact you can't eat the whole thing. Also I will leave out high carb sides if I want to partake of dessert. Stick with plain meats and veggies. Drink water or tea instead of diet drinks.

THIS is your new way of life! Meat, fish, cheese, eggs and low carbohydrate vegetables and a little low carb fruit like berries. Only water or unsweetened coffee or tea.

Because I LOVE them, I eat 6 french fries, not a whole plate. 3 bites of an exquisite dessert (not 'sugar free', to which you may react badly) - don't waste calories or carbs on something mediocre. Test often.

 

[lifesgr8]

I'm looking at my calorie king book. Which section are you using? The carnival or picking from ff restaurants? I'm not sure this little book is very helpful. google seems like it would be less frustrating to narrow it down. after searching & reading a few type 1 threads here...... ill be packing more snacks & testing supplies !!!

I would just like to clarify that you mean type 2 diabetes. Just saying "diabetes" doesn't mean much, as people handling food with type 1 very differently. Your best bet at Disney is to educate yourself on food before you go. What foods your body can handle, and what foods cause you trouble. What foods have what amounts of carbs.

You can get a small pocked sized book called "calorie king" , or an app for your phone, like figwee or fat secret, where you can look up the nutritional information on various foods. Disney will NOT provide this information.

As for the chefs, they're pretty clueless. All they understand is "sugar" in relation to diabetes, and sometimes they understand 'bread'. LOL. So a desert with apples still has tons of carbs. They'll simply steer you away from items like cake, and steer you towards fruit. Obviously, fruit is healthier, but often, it has just as many carbs and often it's harder for your body to handle.

And another thing to know is that many people have a LOT of trouble digesting the sugar alcohols in sugar free foods. And many times, those sugar free foods have just as many carbs as the traditional counterpart. They often load up on other products to thicken them and sweeten them.

 

[buffettgirl]

I'm looking at my calorie king book. Which section are you using? The carnival or picking from ff restaurants? I'm not sure this little book is very helpful. google seems like it would be less frustrating to narrow it down. after searching & reading a few type 1 threads here...... ill be packing more snacks & testing supplies !!!

It depends on what you're eating and what technology you have with you. Something like 'mashed potato' is similar in carbs no matter where you're eating, so you could look that up in the vegetable section. But seeing a small serving of french fries and basing that on what you know of a small serving of McDonalds fries, might be more helpful to look up in the Fast Food section. Just depends on what you're eating.

Sometimes an app is better, but sometimes we don't have the ability to access an app or google while eating.

Either way, the book is very helpful.

 

[acebatonfan]

Sorry for piggybacking on this thread. I was recently diagnosed as a type 1 and am wondering if Disney offers the carbohydrate information for their food, or if I will have to guesstimate and risk going into bad hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (Nevermind, I found out they don't). I could also guesstimate if they have a menu online and choose options I know will be low in carbs.

I know which foods are lower in carbs compared to those higher, but it might be the portion sizes that will make it difficult. Sadly, I also tend to overbolus my meals, and I am becoming really hypo unaware (went down to 49 last night with only some hotness). I also enjoy my Splenda and sugar-free foods, found out they have minimal effects on my glucose, and typically eat them in moderation.

This might also sound like a weird question, but is there an easy way to keep my insulin cool while in the parks? My family typically goes during the summer, and I know I will have to keep my used insulin pen at room temperature and will need to find some way to keep it in that range while still fitting within my purse (with all my other diabetic supplies. Within three days in ICU, I went from a no-purse to a giant-purse lady).

 

[lanejudy]

Sorry for piggybacking on this thread. I was recently diagnosed as a type 1 and am wondering if Disney offers the carbohydrate information for their food, or if I will have to guesstimate and risk going into bad hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. I know which foods are lower in carbs compared to those higher, but it might be the portion sizes that will make it difficult.

No, despite being good about allergies, WDW does not provide carb information for diabetics. Check out the responses in this thread and buffettgirl has some good information and suggestions.

If you are newly diagnosed, I'm sure this is all still crazy-new and confusing for you. But it will get easier. If you have a few months until your trip, you'll probably be much more comfortable with the process by then; if your trip is coming up soon, just be prepared with extra supplies and snacks.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

 

[lanejudy]

... This might also sound like a weird question, but is there an easy way to keep my insulin cool while in the parks? My family typically goes during the summer, and I know I will have to keep my used insulin pen at room temperature and will need to find some way to keep it in that range while still fitting within my purse (with all my other diabetic supplies. Within three days in ICU, I went from a no-purse to a giant-purse lady).

Not a weird question at all! Look into the FRIO packs. They come different sizes, depending on your need. I think we've ordered from Cooler Concept, but you can find them on Amazon as well.

Enjoy your vacation!