Husband just found out he has diabeties. :(

[1rockinmama]

And we're just trying to figure things out at home and work for him to
eat and be within his guidelines his doctor has given him. Now we have to
worry about disney food?!?!? Are there any other diabetics who have visited
the world and eaten ok? Please post your foods eaten here so I can have a
bit of a guideline to go by when we get there. Thank you so much in advance
we truely appriciate it!!!

~*Christal*~

 

[Luv2Roam]

WDW sit down restaurants are wonderful about meeting special dietary needs. Don't worry. When you make your ADRs have them note his dietary restriction.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Be assured though that you can do a Disney trip. but it will take some planning and you may need to make some menu choices before you leave and ask for the chef to pare some things down when you get there, but it will be manageable and you'll still have a great time. I know several places have a no sugar added dessert, however you'll still have to be aware of the amount of natural sugars in the food. Good luck to you!

 

[brianm27]

WDW is probably one of the best places to go if you have special dietary needs.

There are many healthy choices at CS restaurants. At the table service restaurants, you will usually be able to discuss preparations with the chef. Don't be afraid to ask.

I read a story a few years ago about a girl staying at one of the deluxe resorts in concierge who had several severe food allergies and wasn't able to eat any of the treats available in the concierge area. One of the cast members noticed and talked to the mother at length about her food allergies. The next day, the executive chef of the hotel had created a special plate of cookies that she could eat and sent the recipe with for the mother just to make sure the ingredients were safe. The mother was in tears - she had never been able to make cookies her daughter could eat.


Good luck!

 

[aribelle]

And we're just trying to figure things out at home and work for him to
eat and be within his guidelines his doctor has given him. Now we have to
worry about disney food?!?!? Are there any other diabetics who have visited
the world and eaten ok? Please post your foods eaten here so I can have a
bit of a guideline to go by when we get there. Thank you so much in advance
we truely appriciate it!!!

~*Christal*~

You might want to go to the DISabilities board as there are many people who talk about diet restrictions there. The menus are available either at wdwinfo.com or allearsnet.com and you can look through them so that he can make a few decisions at home without the pressure of trying to remember all his can/can't while the server waits to take his order, lol.

Also....at every TS restaurant he can simply let the server know that he is diabetic (might also mention a "new" diabetic, so they understand you may need more guidance than a seasoned pro) and the chef will come out and talk to you about choices. I've read they will also make things custom for you if things on the menu don't fit in to your way of eating.

I'd say it's definitely possible to do Disney as a diabetic....you're just going to have to keep in mind all the restrictions. For CS menus, I would think that you'd be on your own, because they don't really have chefs to help you. But, you can also often ask for this or that to be made without something, if need be.

I have to say that Disney appears to be the most accomodating large place that I've ever heard of with so much accomodation. Most local restaurants here simply have an item or two that they'll point to and if it's a type of food you don't like, too bad. Disney will make every effort possible to make food you'll enjoy and that is safe for you.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you go to the disABILITIES forum, one of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Page 3 has a section on diabetes with a lot of links with information and reports.

Or, if you want an easier route, click on the link in my signature.

 

[pumba]

I am a type 2 diabetic and have been for two years. I did follow my amount of carbohydrates I was allowed to have per meal and also snacks.......remember that you exercise alot down there by all the walking and you will have to make sure that you eat meals and snacks regularly. Also remember to drink water often. I have no problems keeping track of what I eat. I even cheated a little bit and had french fries. My one weakness....good luck and have fun too

 

[Mischa]

first a hug for you from one wife of a diabetic to another. My DH was diagnosed about 8 years ago. It's been a long road for us but luckily now his blood sugar is under control (mostly due to the right combination of pills & insulin). And I try to make sure we eat healthy at least most of the time.

Basically what DH has done during our trips to WDW is - he tests his blood sugar - sometimes more than he does at home. That's a must! Sometimes you can't just rely on "how you feel" because you will probably be more active at Disney than you would be at home; even though I have gotten really good at knowing when DH needs to eat and when his blood sugar is high. (If it's too low he usually gets short-tempered; and if it's too high - he usually wants a nap).

That being said...depending on what his doctor says, he probably can eat just about anything (food wise - I'm not talking about sweets) but the key will be moderation. Don't over eat, try and keep snacks (for in case a drop in blood sugar) and don't be afraid to tell the server or host/hostess at the restaurant that your DH is diabetic and needs something right that minute. We did that during one of our trips, DH's blood sugar dropped and he started to shake a bit. They gave us an orange juice for him and even offered a refill. Luckily our table was ready and I think it was the quickest service we had ever gotten at WDW!

When it comes to sweets - if he really can't avoid the sweets - he can do what my DH does - he'll take a bite (maybe two) and will then stop. It takes will power that is for sure because sometimes the desserts are just sooooo good! I've started to do the same thing in support of DH (and to be honest - I'm usually stuffed from all the food!)

Good luck!

 

[Chloesmom]

My daughter is type 1 which is completely different than what your husband has but we go to Disney at least once a year. There are some pointers I can offer to you that apply to both type 1 and 2 diabetics. The first is take extra supplies.. and extra meter.. extra meds.. extra lancets. If something can go wrong it very well might and as someone who has broken a meter and froze the insulin I learned the hard way. Next is test ALOT. As other have said you will be exercising alot and you may run low. Carry something with you.. DD prefers airheads candy because they dont melt in the heat and are a quick carb. Do tell dining that you are diabetic when you make your ADRs. the chef will do alot to help you out and it will help you get seated a little swifter.. it sucks to be low and waiting for an hour to eat. I have found if they see DD is diabetic we get seated better..
Finally.. I know alot of type 2's and from what I have seen education is terrible for you in general. With a type 1 we get extensive education and support... but they have a tendancy to throw type 2's to the wolves.. so I suggest making your own appointment with a diabetes educator or a dietician at the very least.
Disney is great to visit for a diabetic.. the key is to be sensible and cautious. You will have a great time and you will get braver and braver with each passing day.

 

[daneenm]

My daughter is type 1 which is completely different than what your husband has ...

My son is as well. A few additions I would make for Type 2 (you didn't say, but I am assuming that is what you are dealing with)...

• Eat your dinner meal earlier rather than later. This gives you lots of walking time after your meal to help your BG level out.

• Be VERY WARY of 'sugar free' dessert options. Just because something is sugar free does not mean it has not carbs. Often fruit juice is substituted and this can make you spike just as high as sugar. We find it better for our son to have a little dessert that has a good mix of sugar, fat and protein so it digests more evenly without so much of a spike - ice cream is ideal for him.

• I concur on finding a good CDE (Diabetes Educator) to work with. They can be a wealth of information.

• Start carb counting ASAP. It can be invaluable to you in knowing how your BG level will be and once you get the hang of it, you can estimate almost anything, anywhere. We do a lot of comparing something new to something he eats at home...that looks about 1.5 times the size of the one we eat at home so it would be about x carbs, etc.

• Test your BG daily at least. I was shocked when my Dad was diagnosed with Type 2 and they did not even offer him a meter. He insisted (because of what he knew about my son) and it has really helped him to gauge how he is doing.

I completely understand how overwhelming this can be (I remember the day well). Please believe me when I tell you it will get easier and will just become part of your routine in not very much time. As Chloesmom said, WDW is a great place to be on vacation with Type 2 as the amount of exercise will help even out the splurges (be wary of lows because of it).

Have a great time!
Daneen

 

[srwarden1928]

DW is diabetic and eats pretty much what she wants. The key is portion control. Both of you learn to count carbs. Its doable

 

[vanillarum]

I have had type 1 diabetes for 50 years (wow, I must be old !) I'm actually 54, and have been to the world 4 times and counting, and have never had any problems with food choices at WDW. You just need to be aware of what you should and should not eat. I stay mainly away from fried foods (at least at WDW. I'm from New England and gotta have fried clams and scallops- but only once or twice a year.) I'm not a big desert person anyway, although I may sample some from my DW and kids. Like I tell my kids about life- it's about choices. Make good choices and you'll be fine. Good luck and have fun !! And feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions concerning anything diabetic !

 

[CarolA]

This website might be helpful.

It's for Type 1, but still


Disney with Diabetes

http://allears.net/pl/diabetes.htm

 

[bytheblood]

I am sorry to hear of your husband's recently learned illness. It is good that there is medicine and treatments now to help and get it under control.

You can visit the disABILTIES board on the Dis.

The AllEars website has some great information for you as well. http://allears.net/din/special.htm

 

[lovindonald]

I too was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and have been very lucky to control it with diet and excercise along with losing over 55 pounds. I was concerned as well about our upcoming trip. I found an article on allearsnet.com about the sugar free offerings at Disney that may be worth a look. There was some valuable information regarding the carbs in those types of things and what to lean towards.

Being the mother of a peanut allergic child, I have always found the disney chefs to be a huge help and I am sure they would be in this case as well. Don't be afraid to let people know so that you can get the service you need. I liked the point of being seated faster if they know you are a diabetic since I often push to the limit before I eat and then run into problems.

Thanks to everyone for the tips, I can certainly use them as well.

 

[1rockinmama]

This website is a blessing! Thank you SO SO much for the kind words and
wonderfully helpful tips! I was unaware of the DisAbilites forums section
and will check that out tomorrow.
We just found out wed. and he's meeting with a dietician this wed. As of
right now he's been restricted to a 1500 calorie diet, daily 30 min exersice
and testing his blood only twice a week. It's just tough b/c we've realized
we usually take in some 2500-3000 a day. crazy huh? I'm trying to do it
right along with him since I myself I am still 15 lbs over weight from birthing
our daughter....18 months ago, haha I keep telling him it could be way
worse. His doctor says with diet and exersice and if he loses roughly 20 lbs
he should be fine...no meds, insuline, etc.
Again thank you so much and i'll read up in the other forums.
Pixie dust and hugs for all!!!

 

[perla75]

WDW is probably one of the best places to go if you have special dietary needs.

There are many healthy choices at CS restaurants. At the table service restaurants, you will usually be able to discuss preparations with the chef. Don't be afraid to ask.

I read a story a few years ago about a girl staying at one of the deluxe resorts in concierge who had several severe food allergies and wasn't able to eat any of the treats available in the concierge area. One of the cast members noticed and talked to the mother at length about her food allergies. The next day, the executive chef of the hotel had created a special plate of cookies that she could eat and sent the recipe with for the mother just to make sure the ingredients were safe. The mother was in tears - she had never been able to make cookies her daughter could eat.


Good luck!

What a beautiful story! I also agree that WDW is exceptionally great with meeting dietary needs.

I am not diabetic, but I am on a restricted sugar diet. I found it very easy to find great food choices at virtually every CS and TS place we visited. And I found quite a variety to choose from-not just the same low sugar/no sugar added choice at every place-for snacks and desserts you will find diabetic friendly puddings, jello, cookies, cakes, ice cream, I'm pretty sure I remember seeing muffins as well.

Be sure your DH asks the servers to check about sugar content in any entree he wants to order that comes with a sauce. Sauces are usually where alot of hidden sugar is found.

All in all, rest assured-WDW is one of the most accomodating places to eat as far as food allergies & dietary restrictions!