Going to Disney with 3, yes 3 diabetics...Am I crazy?

[Ladybugsy]

My 13 year old daughter is a type one diabetic. Her dad is as well, and we will be traveling with my Aunt who is a type 2 diabetic. I'm hoping someone who goes to WDW regularly might be able to give me some tips, or tricks to make touring WDW easier. I admit I'm somewhat nervous that I'll have 3 diabetics along. DH can go low very easily, and Jordan my daughter is very brittle. And since I have 2, my aunt always looks to me for advice. I'm fine with her normal care, and what not, but when it comes to Disney, I'm a little frightened. Not sure how to pack insulin, where to put needles, etc. Thanks in advance for any info or help

 

[Unofficial Fan]

If you are going during peak times then it may be quite difficult to schedule eating times. My dn is a brittle type I diabetic and my sis had a hard time getting food for him at the right time. It wasn't too hard for her to pack insulin - she has a special cooler for the vials and uses dry ice and just carries it in the cooler. Most restrooms have a sharps disposal from what I remember. You might want to check the disabilities board for more info.

 

[Ladybugsy]

We will be going in September, so at least it will be during a low season. Dry ice, I never thought of that. I will check the disabilities board...this board just gets so much more traffic, I thought it might be the best place. We really don't consider diabetes a "disability", per se, but you're right...there will probably be info there.

 

[welovedis]

Here's a recent post on this subject (somewhat) on the DisAbilities forum:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=820785

I thought it was the First Aid centers that have the sharps disposals, not the restrooms so you may want to check into that.

If you are flying, you cannot use dry ice, ice packs-those little blue things in the plastic are fine though.

WDW Dining is very accomodating and you can talk to them prior to your trip to make sure you'll be accomodated. If you have PS for particular restaurants you can usually talk to someone from that place to be sure you'll be served appropriate items. Also be certain that your server is area of any restrictions and usually a kitchen staff member will come out to speak with you. We've been easily accomodated regardless of the season.

Check in over at the disAbilities forum if you have more ??s & happy planning!

 

[LittleDino]

I just did Disney with 3 diabetics (and 4 non-diabetics). We were there May 7 - 11th. All 3 of us (father-in-law, sister-in-law, and myself) are type 1 diabetics and on insulin pumps. We all decreased our insulin usage because of all the walking. I was able to cut my insulin down by 2/3's!

My advice would be to carry insulin, syringes, glucose tabs, and glucose monitors with you at all times. Also - carry extra snacks... crackers, juice boxes, etc. just incase they go low. Have some cash easily accessible as well, in case they don't have a snack but can buy some juice or ice cream to fix the low. Finally, drink lots of water (good tip for anyone)!! The sun, heat, and extra exercise can dehydrate you pretty quickly, and sometimes mask the symptoms of an insulin reaction. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent this.

As far as taking food into the parks, we didn't have any problems. If the gate security does comment, just say you're with 3 diabetics! They'll understand.

I would also suggest reducing their overnight insulin dose as well. Exercise affects blood sugar for 24 hours following physical activity. Decreasing their overnight insulin by 1 or 2 units can help prevent overnight reactions.

Hope this helps. Don't worry about what might happen. Be prepared, just in case, but focus on having fun.

 

[Ladybugsy]

My advice would be to carry insulin, syringes, glucose tabs, and glucose monitors with you at all times. Also - carry extra snacks... crackers, juice boxes, etc. just incase they go low. Have some cash easily accessible as well, in case they don't have a snack but can buy some juice or ice cream to fix the low. Finally, drink lots of water (good tip for anyone)!! The sun, heat, and extra exercise can dehydrate you pretty quickly, and sometimes mask the symptoms of an insulin reaction. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent this.

I would also suggest reducing their overnight insulin dose as well. Exercise affects blood sugar for 24 hours following physical activity. Decreasing their overnight insulin by 1 or 2 units can help prevent overnight reactions.

QUOTE]\\


Very good suggestion about lowering the Lantus. I didn't actually think of that.
My Aunt will be renting an ECV, as well as my uncle. I suppose I could put a small soft sided cooler on there. I would also rather carry the supplies with me rather than have to cross the part 4 times a day...lol. Thanks for the tips!

 

[HaleyB]

Ladybugsy you need to talk to Zurg, he has two diabetic children and is a Disney regular. He is also very funny, and very helpful. His wife too, she posts as Zurgswife I think. You can contact him and read his trip reports here:

www.badshoe.com

Also he can often be found at the Lodge, linked to on badshoe (not allowed to link from here I guess)

Really nice group of Disney fanatics on that board.

We do not have diabetics in our group, but we do have health issues and Disney is my favorite vacation spot because they are so good about that sort of thing.

 

[zurgswife]

Hi there Ladybugsy, we are a family of 2 type 1 diabetics and have made 4 trips with one and 2 with the other (her first trip as a diabetic was when we realized she was diabetic, that was fun )

Carrying snacks with you is all was a plus. We have found in emergencies we have been given (yes for free), or at Lights, Motor, Action we were brought to the CM break room and bought a soda for $1 (dh bought 3 ). Cutting back on your insulin is also a good idea.

We carry our extra needles and insulin with us during the day just in case. I realize most people have been taught that insulin must be refrigerated at all times, well this isn't true once it has been opened. We have been taught from the beginning by Childrens Hospital that during the month that the bottle is in use it doesn't need refrigeration. Has worked beautifully for us for well over 2 years. So, unless its going to get really hot (I don't think in Sept.) I would worry too much about carrying ice packs.

Carrying supplies and test kits into the park haven't been an issue, we typically carry them in a fanny pack.

Not sure what a brittle diabetic is, so don't know what special needs might be there.

We don't do anything special as far as touring goes. Just trying to be aware of the diabetics pace and mood.

If you have any questions please ask.