Insulin Resistance - Sugar free at Disney?

[SOnotLayuh]

Since my last trip to the world I have been diagnosed with IR. I'm on medication for it, but the doctor said I should also stick to sugar free stuff. I'm pretty concerned about this since we do the DDP and everything comes with dessert ! Most sugar free stuff I've tried is awful! I'm also not supposed to drink alcohol with the medication, which means no Grey Goose slush from France (I'm so bummed out!).

So, has anyone had this problem or something like it? How are the sugar free foods at Disney? Are they difficult to find or is WDW good at things like this?

I'm still new to having an IR, so I'm pretty unsure about how it all works.

TIA

 

[PatsMom]

I am not a doctor but isn't insulin resistance really type 2 diabetes? I know that insulin resistance is part of what causes my type 2.

My guess would be that the diet plan would be the same as type 2. You can find tons of books on the subject. I'm not sure what meds you are on. If it is glucophage (metformin) I know the label says no drinking. But I do have an occasional drink, especially on vacation. But they tend to cause LOW blood sugar so you have to make sure you have good with the alcohol. Your doctor can give you more guidance.

If you doctor just told you that you have the disease and didn't provide you with any education beyond sugar free and no alcohol, I think I might pursue another opinon or at least a referral to an diabetes educator. Mine is wonderful.

Sugar free is not necessary for most diabetics. In fact, the sugar free stuff is apt to cause intestinal problems and has as many carbs as the regular desserts usually. And it is carbs that matter. I don't do the dining plan. It is not a good value for us, particularly since I eat small portions and rarely eat dessert. I prefer to use my carb allowance for other starches!

Calorie King has a book with the carb counts for most commmon foods. It is great. Disney does not provide carb counts so you have to estimate.

If IR is treated the same as type 2, then education on eating is very important. The doctor should also be referring you to a dietitian - they can give some great advice on planning meals.

Some restaurants will provide you with fruit for a dessert if you request it. Also, at the counter service places, you can usually get grapes or whatever they are giving for dessert with the kids meal.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

Thanks for the tips - I'm working on doing more research!

My IR is caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and can lead to type 2 diabetes when I get older. If the diet is already very similar I'll look into that type of diet!

Thanks again, I'll do some more research and see about getting a dietitian

 

[LindaBabe]

I Second the thought that you might want to be careful of 'sugarfree'! South Beach double chocolate cookies and vitatop muffin tops come to mind as having caused painful intestinal distress!

However, I CAN recommend the sugarfree dessert selection at the WAVE in the contemporary.

Also you can usually get unsugared berries. There are several low sugar choices on the icecream carts as well.

www.dlife.com

http://www.diabeteshealth.com/

http://allears.net/din/rev_lowcarb.htm Not exactly no sugar, but helpful all the same.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I have Insulin Resistance in relation to PCOS too! I'm on Metformin for it, and while I don't go for sugar free everything, I try not to overdo it with the sugary stuff and that seems to work out fine. Some of the sugar free desserts really aren't bad at Disney, the berry cobbler at 50s Primetime was actually quite good. Keep in mind that all the walking and whatnot will also be burning more energy that you regularly do, therefore you'll probably need more calories than you're used to. I found I got a few low blood sugars while I was there because I didn't adjust for the extra energy I was using. I carry glucose tablets with me as a just in case option. I think as long as you're on medication and your blood sugars stay fairly stable you won't need to worry too much. It's a moderation thing really.

As to the poster who mentioned it being the same as Type 2, there's a few differences. The way it was explained to me was that insulin resistant people aren't sensitive enough to their own insulin and therefore overproduce it whereas Type 2 people stop producing sufficient insulin. IR can turn into Type 2 if not treated. At least thats how I remember it.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

I have Insulin Resistance in relation to PCOS too! I'm on Metformin for it, and while I don't go for sugar free everything, I try not to overdo it with the sugary stuff and that seems to work out fine. Some of the sugar free desserts really aren't bad at Disney, the berry cobbler at 50s Primetime was actually quite good. Keep in mind that all the walking and whatnot will also be burning more energy that you regularly do, therefore you'll probably need more calories than you're used to. I found I got a few low blood sugars while I was there because I didn't adjust for the extra energy I was using. I carry glucose tablets with me as a just in case option. I think as long as you're on medication and your blood sugars stay fairly stable you won't need to worry too much. It's a moderation thing really.

As to the poster who mentioned it being the same as Type 2, there's a few differences. The way it was explained to me was that insulin resistant people aren't sensitive enough to their own insulin and therefore overproduce it whereas Type 2 people stop producing sufficient insulin. IR can turn into Type 2 if not treated. At least thats how I remember it.

Thank you

I've only been on the Metformin since November and I'm still learning how to adjust to it - getting on it and having to change everything in my diet has been difficult, and I've been super worried about Disney! The medicine makes me feel not hungry at all, and then I have low blood sugar which makes me feel sick and weak, so I'm going to really have to concentrate on making sure I'm eating enough of the right stuff while I'm there!

Are glucose tablets OTC?

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Yeah it can take a bit to get used to the Metformin. Are you on the regular or the extended release? I take 1500mg of the extended release and find I can keep my sugars more stable if I spread out the dose over the day.

Once the meds are in your system you should find that your blood sugar doesn't spike when you eat a bit more or eat sugar, or at least spike as bad as it probably did before the meds. Its like I said too, you're body will be using more energy too so while that will help you not have highs, you'll have to watch for the lows. The glucose tablets are OTC, they come in small tubes, about the size of mini M&Ms tubes, and in bottles. I bought a tube forever ago and just refill it from the large bottle. Lots of flavors too, orange, grape, raspberry, watermelon, sometimes you can find mixed bottles too, and they taste just giant Smarties.

 

[PatsMom]

Glucose tabs aren't bad and they are cheap. You can also get gel in a tube. They are convenient to carry if you don't want to carry snacks around with you. I keep mine in my bag, along with a small glucometer, at all times. I was taught not to assume that I am low and not to treat without testing.

I also space out my extended release metformin. I was taking 4 pills a day but had to cut back to two because of side effects. In case the pharmacist or doctor did not warn you, metformin can be notorious for gastrointestinal side effects. So if you start having a lot of gas and diarhea it might be the cause, not your diet.

You'll have a great trip.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I wasn't a fan of the gel to be honest. I thought it left a really funky aftertaste, but yes that's another option. It does the same thing the tablets do.

Also agree with the gastointenstinal issues. I had that problem with the normal Metformin but not with the extended release.

And yes, testing is advised before treating a low blood sugar, but I and other people I know have such specific symptoms it's easy to know it's definitely a low blood sugar. For instance I get shaky, start with the cold sweat, and feel almost...disconnected, from my brain, like I can't my body to keep up with my brain. I also know at least 2 people that know their symptoms well enough, but either don't feel them til their levels are exceptionally low or their level drops so fast that it's better for them to treat right away rather than risk going so low that they can't do anything, especially if they're alone.

 

[daneenm]

You just want fast acting glucose so, many other options will work almost as well as glucose tabs...a regular soda, juice, cake mate gel (many people use this in place of standard glucose gel), smarties, etc. When DS was little we even used raisins because we knew for sure he would eat them without a fight. I don't do a very good job of holding my tongue when I hear people say that keep a candy bar handy for low BG emergencies...the protein and fat in most candy bars is going to slow the glucose absorption down, so if you are dropping fast not a good choice. But there are lots of other options that can be nearly as quick as glucose tabs without the funny taste.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

I'm on 1500 regular release metformin - also recovering from having my gall bladder out. "GI Issues" is my middle name right now!

Thanks for all of the tips everyone! You're all the best

 

[LockShockBarrel]

If you find you have a lot of tummy issues you can talk to your Dr about trying the extended release instead. That's how I ended up on it.

 

[clanmcculloch]

DH is T2 diabetic. He ate dessert at every meal at WDW. Moderation is the key for him. If he knows he's going to have dessert then he'll skip his starchy side dish (rice, potatoes, etc) or at least only eat a small amount of it and then he'll only eat maybe half of his dessert. Some desserts such as a sorbet is easier for his body to process than a piece of cake so he'll choose that. Grain free desserts in general are easier on his blood sugar so if there's a yummy option that's grain free or low on grains (maybe just a bottom crust) then he'll choose that. I'll generally choose something decadent for myself and he'll take a taste of that and then enjoy his own. Learning how your own body reacts to different types of foods will make things must easier for yourself. He doesn't waste any carbs on his drink; he's discovered that he really likes the taste of selzer so he just orders that or a coffee (he doesn't add any sugar to his coffee so this works well for him).

For him, "sugar free" snacks that contain artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohol are terrible for his blood sugar. There's no immediate spike, but hours later his numbers are high and he's light headed and his fasting numbers in the morning are elevated which then affects his entire next day. We try to avoid artificial sweeteners.

DH does take Metformin. He is allowed an occasional drink of alcohol but he's totally under control. He actually had a checkup yesterday and his A1C and cholesterol are perfect with his current dietary method and Metformin dose. His doctor originally wanted to put him on cholesterol medication as well but we've managed to correct those numbers by getting his blood sugar under control.

 

[dizcrazee]

They have a very yummy sugar free mousse at the bakery in Norway at Epcot. Other than that, I mostly stick with the fruit option for desserts. Most table service restaurants will make you a nice fruit salad, but I go easy on the pineapple. For me, the main thing is just accepting that sugar is not really a part of my life anymore. I know that many diabetics/glucose intolerant folks are able to eat it within reason, but not me. I was never able to control myself with it - a little was never enough! I have had to just let it go for the most part - and that's ok. I'm at peace with it. Life can be sweet without sugar.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

They have a very yummy sugar free mousse at the bakery in Norway at Epcot. Other than that, I mostly stick with the fruit option for desserts. Most table service restaurants will make you a nice fruit salad, but I go easy on the pineapple. For me, the main thing is just accepting that sugar is not really a part of my life anymore. I know that many diabetics/glucose intolerant folks are able to eat it within reason, but not me. I was never able to control myself with it - a little was never enough! I have had to just let it go for the most part - and that's ok. I'm at peace with it. Life can be sweet without sugar.

I can't imagine being okay with that!

 

[dunbarfamily]

Patsmom offered you really good information. I agree with everything said. Knowledge and education are power. You need to do everything you can to learn everything you can about your condition. I come from a family of diabetics/IR, so I know lots about it. I know that you don't have to avoid ALL sugar. An occasional drink or dessert is not going to mess up the whole system. Like so many things in life, things need to be done in moderation.

Good luck! Disney offers a lot of sugar free things, but keep in mind most have just as many carbs. A better option might be that if you really want that super dooper full of sugar dessert, go easy on the carbs the rest of the day, and only eat a few bites, but eat them slowly, really enjoy the taste. Take the bites really, really small. When your companion is done eating, so are you. Make it your goal to only eat a quarter of your dessert in the amount of time that it takes your companion to eat the whole thing.

Have a great trip!