Help for my diabetic mom please!!!

[Deniseibase]

We are taking an extended family Disney cruise this fall and my mother will be travelling with us. She is diabetic and needs insulin. Can we get a REAL fridge in her room instead of the beverage cooler, and if so, how, and if not, what do we do? Also, any other hints for a diabetic would be greatly appreciated - thanks!!

 

[MarkRG]

Yes, contact DCL, they need to know that in advance. They have a medical form for you to fill out and they can provide a refrigerator for medical use. They also have good assistance as far as dietary requirements, sugar free desserts and everything.

 

[MacGyverTDS]

I can vouch for the sugar free desserts. My hubby is diabetic also and they had good choices for him each night for dessert. I recommend the chocolate mousse ...it tastes too good to be sugar free!!! DCL is great with special diatary requests, just let them know in advance and be prepared to have your Mom pampered!
Have a blast!

Judy

 

[albiats]

You can get the medical needs form from DCL, or from your Travel Agent, if you used one. It can be faxed back and forth and unless she isn't stable, it wouldn't even need a physician's signature. The form is a one size fits all and has several areas.

I always write things out in plain words and haven't had any problems yet, and didn't provide a doctor's signature. I don't have diabetes but I do have hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar, and the diets are very similar. I also specified that I needed the earlier seating for dinner so that I could remain on my usual schedule for meals.

On our last cruise, they even provided me with a small portable disposal for needles, even though I didn't need it, but it would be nice for those that do.

I would strongly recommend that you take the extra step of filling out the form and returning it.

hope that helps

 

[Deniseibase]

Thanks everyone!! I emailed my travel agent at Dreams Unlimited last night and one person wrote back and said they'd fax me the form, the other person wrote back and said the beverage coolers that are already in the rooms are sufficient. Any insulin-dependent diabetics out there, have you used the beverage cooler for your insulin and if so, how did that work?

 

[KenP]

RE: Insulin in beverage coolers.

Correct. You do NOT need a "real" refrigerator for the insulin. The beverage coolers are 50 degrees F which is fine for insulin. Actually insulin stored even at room temperature is good for several months. Just don't leave it laying on the beach at Castaway Cay

 

[Windermere]

Yes insulin is stable at room temperature for at least one month. If you have vial you are not using keep that in the 'cool box'. Even Lantus and Humalog are fine in the 'cool box'.

Room temperature insulin is more comfortable to inject anyway.