Help DH may have diabetes.. update post 14

[DVC Jen]

My DH just found out today he may be borderline diabetic or already have this disease. I need to start making our PS in about a week and a half.

Anyone who also has diabetes out there that could give us some advice on dining at Disney with it?

 

[cdnmickeylover]

First off - don't panic. It's not the end of the world and actually probably won't change your eating patterns all that much. I'm assuming that your DH has Type 2 diabetes which is what I have. Mine is controlled by diet and some medication but not insulin.

I've found that actually Disney is very good at this as they do have sugar free desserts at most restaurants. I actually can't think of one that I've been in that doesn't have something sugar free on the menu. What I have to watch is sauces and additions but I've never had a problem getting stuff plain or with the dressing on the side. I can't think of any restaurant to avoid actually. Buffets are harder though as for me portion control can be a problem -- I like to try everything!

I have to watch what I eat but I don't really avoid a lot except of course for sugar laden desserts. I also will rarely eat fruit (which I love) by itself without having some sort of protein so I usually have peanuts or cheese if I want a piece of fruit in the middle of the day. This again, with planning, is not a big problem.

My one big complaint really is that the only diet pop available most places is diet coke -- don't mind it but since I know they make diet root beer, diet orange, diet grape etc. I'd like a little more choice.

Most diabetics can eat pretty much anything -- it's the combination of food that's important and the amount of certain things. If your DH is diabetic hopefully he will get referred to a good dietician who can help him.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

 

[experiment626mom]

May I also add that you might want to think about carrying snacks with you? My DH is diabetic and we allways carry snack bags of cheerios, crackers, etc.

Other than that we have not had any problems at Disney or anywhere else. Just don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure about something!!

 

[eeyore0062]

When you make your PS, let them know that your DH has diabetes. They will give you a phone number to call. Also, when you check in at the restaurant, they will ask if there are any food allergies or restrictions. Tell them yes. They will send a chef out to meet your party and point out items that will fit into his diet, as well as making any type of necessary adjustments in the preparation of his meal.

 

[crisi]

My dad has type II diabetes. It has, for him, just meant a low carb diet. Our last trip to WDW was with someone doing Atkins - her carb restrictions were a lot fewer carbs than my dads - and she did great.

You might want to skip Alfredo's though.

 

[DVC Jen]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Wenlitz]

Our DS has diabetes and is insulin dependant. We will be taking our 4th trip and as long as you stay on schedule with snacks and accu cheks you will do fine. Talk to your doc about the food and make adjustments as necessary.
Most of all enjoy your trip!!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I have talked to a few people that have done low carb when they have type 2 and have done well at WDW.
By the way, try over on the W.I.S.H. board to get some info. There are many low carb folks over there and they can be very helpful since they know the in and outs of this when in WDW.

 

[rgbmommy]

Our DS has diabetes and is insulin dependant.

MY dd and dh are both Type 1 diabetics. Did you have any problems with taking insulin / syringes / tests into the parks? I plan on taking a small backpack with snacks, tests, and insulin with me and just wondered if anyone asked you for a doc's note or anything like that.

 

[da-winnie-pooh]

Not a problem for me. I have an insulin pump and usually wear a shirt that is not tucked in. But, I had no problems with the tester or any of the other things.

I'm sure they see insulin dependant diabetics all the time. They didn't check my purse too closely, anyway.

Have a great trip.

Anita

 

[bigcrit]

When you make your PS, let them know that your DH has diabetes. They will give you a phone number to call. Also, when you check in at the restaurant, they will ask if there are any food allergies or restrictions. Tell them yes. They will send a chef out to meet your party and point out items that will fit into his diet, as well as making any type of necessary adjustments in the preparation of his meal.

I'm duabetic as well. I was going to wing it at Disney (this May). Thanks for the tip. I will ask as well.

 

[LuvN~Travel]

My DH is just over the 'borderline' so to speak as well. When we went in November he did well. Had no problems. We just made sure he had plenty to drink during the day when he got hot. And, he just ate regular foods while there. He's not the dessert type anyway, though. We would share desserts most of the time, and he would eat as well as the others.
Kim

 

[Asil65]

Hi Jen,
I am a type 1 diabetic and wear an insulin pump. A type 1 diabetic is insulin dependent and a type 2 diabetic still makes some insulin but usually not enough to keep their blood sugars at a healthy level. Be sure your Dad brings his blood sugar meter and test strips so he can keep track of his sugars.I also always carry glucose tablets to bring up my sugar if needed. You should be able to eat in most of the restaurants he just needs to make the right choices. Some of the posters mentioned lower carb diets. This is a good suggestion. It is helful to have some protein at meals as well. This will slow down the speed that his body will convert the carbs into sugar. Avoid juices and fruity drinks. With all of the walking that he will be doing this will help control his blood sugar numbers.See if your Dad can either join a support group or take a class about diabetes. Usually your local hospital or the ADA can help him with finding a location. The most important thing is that thanks to all of our technology diabetes is a disease that people can live a long healthy life with as long as they exercise, eat right, and mantain their blood sugars as close to normal as possible. Good luck. Lisa

 

[DVC Jen]

DH had an appt today to get the results of his last blood test as well as have yet another.

Well he didn't need the other test. The last one came back showing his blood sugar to be high-normal.

We still have to watch it.. and keep eating healthy...lose some weight and stay on the tryclyceride meds but at this time he is NOT diabetic.




Thank you to everyone for your help. We are going to stay on our healthy eating plan while at WDW.. and it is nice to know that it is possible.

Thanks so much

 

[Selket]

Just wanted to add that my 3 yr old son is type 1 (insulin dependent) and also wears an insulin pump. Insulin pumps are great if you need to take insulin - the best thing we've been able to do for him.

Our trip is coming up in May and I've made PS's with them noting his diabetes (and food allergies). I believe if you are interested in obtaining some sugar-free desserts for sit down dinners (or perhaps food with less carbs) the chefs will help you out if you let them know when you make a PS.

Have a wonderful trip and I hope all is well with your DH.

 

[da-winnie-pooh]

Jen, I'm so glad to hear your news!

You know, back in the dark ages my mother in law was diagnosed with borderline diabetes. She changed her diet and started exercising and not only did not go on to develop diabetes, she was re-tested and showed no trace of it. I'm hoping the same thing happens to your dh!!!

Anita

 

[DVC Jen]

Jen, I'm so glad to hear your news!

You know, back in the dark ages my mother in law was diagnosed with borderline diabetes. She changed her diet and started exercising and not only did not go on to develop diabetes, she was re-tested and showed no trace of it. I'm hoping the same thing happens to your dh!!!

Anita

Thanks Anita.. we had a great appt with our family doc today and I got lots of tips on buying foods..what to look for and be leery of. We are both doing this together (comfort in numbers). I am determinded to help him fight to NOT get this disease.

 

[slk537]

Jen, your news about your husband is wonderful!! I am also a Type II who has been borderline (on insulin during pregnancy but diet and exercise controlled now) and you know, it is very livable. Although the disease can really be horrible, so much of the treatment is within the patient's control and that makes it so much easier.

I have discovered that as long as I really restrict my carbs and do regular exercise, I can stay off of medication (with my endo doc's blessing). I suspect your DH will be the same. I have low carbed my way through WDW twice now and it isn't nearly as hard as you'd think. Lots of magnificent sugar free items are all over - make sure you ask at the ice cream carts...they have sf ice cream and fruit bars that aren't listed on the menu boards. Salads, steaks, chicken, etc. are also all over. And remember - all the walking helps that sugar on it's way out of the blood stream .

I'm so happy for you that his tests came back the way they did! With a little caution and a lot of knowledge (that you're already getting) he can stay away from medication for a long time!

Enjoy your trip!!!