Newly Diabetic and Nervous

[Secondgradememories]

Hi Everyone, First of all, thanks for all of the great advice I've picked up so far - on my first trip to the disABILITIES board. I am a newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic and trying to weed through all of the information from my doctor, the ADA and now this board. I would love advice from diabetics who have made Disney trips in the heat. We are off mid July and suddenly surviving the heat has new and scary ramifications for me. I'll have my tester, and I think I'll try to find some glucose pills, my diatician mentioned them, although a Mickey bar may be a tastier fix but what else should I expect or do? I guess my fear is that I won't know what a low feels like, or I will overcompensate if I do go low.

I know all diabetics are different, my parents both had diabetes, and both passed away from complications at an early age so I'm at the "collect all the info I can" stage. I want to have a long healthy life that includes trips to Disney!

I also know I won't ask for a GAC those posts got a little hot for me. No line skipping, no special treatment, just hopes for a mom who doesn't slow down her family so much that we have a bummer of a trip!

So, if there is anyone out there with info, I'd love some help!

 

[JoyMouse]

Hi! I am also a diabetic. I have never had a problem at WDW. I usually take in some snacks with me. One hint that my doctor gave me: pick up some snack size Payday bars. They don't melt and the sugar in them will quickly bring up a drop then the protein in the nuts will hold you at a better level until you can eat something more proper! (It also tastes good...) We also take in small juice boxes to drink and of course lots of water. Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Secondgradememories]

Thanks Joymouse! I know it may not seem too huge an ordeal; but it's funny how scary it is when it's early on and you don't know what to expect. I'll get those Payday bars and wish you well from Disney when I eat one!

 

[sadeeyore]

Hi
My DS is type 1, although we haven't been to WDW since he was diagnosed I have been reading AllEarsNet http://allearsnet.com/pl/diabetes.htm . I know it's mainly about type 1 but hopefully you will find it helpful.

Hope you have an amazing time

 

[JoyMouse]

Have fun and I will be thinking of you the next time I eat a Payday!!

 

[MNeimeyer]

I was a newly diagnosed Type II diabetic when I went last time and one thing to keep in mind is that you can easily spike your sugars (especially if you eat on the dining plan) but don't forget if you've still got 5 hours of walking that you can drop your sugars real low too.

All I can say is talk to your doctor about any medications you're on and the effects they have. For example, I'm on metformin and it's not likely to drop my sugar, but my father is on different meds and his can drop his sugar real low if he isn't careful about balancing carbs and meds. Test regularly. If you aren't able to test and start feeling off (shakey, cold sweat, mentally fuzzy, cranky etc) then eat something. If you spike your sugars... big deal... that's a long term problem... but if your sugars drop too far... its very very bad.

It's probably also a good idea to start familarizing yourself with how you feel at different sugar levels BEFORE you leave. (Sort of like breaking in a new pair of shoes). For example, I get a very special type of cranky when I start heading south of 80. I don't mean special as in intense... I mean special as in different. When that type of cranky comes on I test, or eat or both.

It probably also wouldn't hurt to have an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact in your cell phone or wallet.

Matt

 

[Selket]

I just wanted to wish you good health on your trip! My son is type 1 (and 5 yrs old) and the two are so different. If it is possible for you to go too low though the glucose tabs are great - we use them for William all of the time. A small box of juice (like a 15 carb box) might also be good - at least with William if he goes too low it is easier for him to drink than chew. Type 1 people often carry cake gel (not the frosting - but the cake gel in the tube) for bad lows as well. Rubbing the gel into the side of the mouth, under the tongue is the fastest way to get the bgl up. I would ask your doctor about how many carbs you need to consume for a low.

I don't know if you're going to try to eat "sugar free" but there are some problems to be aware of. Many of the sugar free items that are baked goods have as many carbs (or more!) than the same item made with sugar. Perhaps it would affect your bgl more slowly if it is sugar free - for my son all that seems to matter is the carb count for something like a sugar-free brownie vs. a regular one. We have gotten a great sugar-free brownie at WDW and it was fairly low carb BUT it was made with sugar alcohols (like malitol/sorbitol) and....I would caution you to be careful with those sweeteners! They can give you terrible diarrhea. He is fine with aspartame and splenda type sweeteners - those seem to cause no problems for us. See how they affect you though!

You can also note the diabetes on your ADR's and talk to the chef. They can prepare you a lower sugar or no-sugar dessert if you would like - and discuss what foods have more added sugar/flour, etc. in them.

If you feel bad - test! Make sure your family member could test you too! I have found a really good touring plan (we use Tour Guide Mike http://www.tourguidemike.com) is really helpful with William - to avoid the long lines and crowds and heat!

Many in my family are type 2 and I just encourage you to be VERY proactive with your doctor. I think a lot of type 2's don't get the treatment they need and deserve frankly. IMHO I think you should be encouraged to test after meals and in the morning so that you know how food affects you, exercise, medications ,etc. It is a complicated disease whether type 1 or 2! You seem really on top of it all so far and with that perspective you will do great!

 

[tink2dw]

I was newly Dx when I went to WDW, too. I have Always been less active, I like things like reading a book, rather than all that hot sweaty outdoor stuff.[Of course it doesn't help that I have Addison's Disease, which causes fatigue especially in hot weather.]

But at WDW I was walking everywhere and all that exercise and my Dh's concern over what food cost and how much he didn't understand, when I said I needed to eat, I meant I was having a low blood sugar moment.
I dropped to 45. But I had the Glucose Tablets with me and my daughter, who had gone to class with me, remembered them, and pushed me to eat 4 of them. After 2 I was getting less confused and after the 3rd. I informed my Dh I would now be carrying part of the food dollars, so I could purchase food when I Needed it!!

So, pack all your meds to carry on the plane, including those glucose tablets[the ones at Walgreen's come in a plastic tube]. Then for a great place to test your blood sugar, go to the Care Centers, it is quiet, cool and they have the friendliest Nurses ever!! They gave me a needle once when I left mine in the room.

1. Carry money with you!!

2. Frozen lemonade is a great treat to keep you hydrated and add a little sugar for that added energy you will burn.

3. Eat 3 meals, even if you share, I like to carry breakfast bars like Special K.

4. If you become fatigued in the afternoon or after a few days, rent a scooter, saving your energy is part of looking after your health, too, it will make for a happy family, and a happy trip!!

5. Use You 30 Sunscreen!! Buy new sun screen every spring! It comes in sprays now and gel for your face. Don't forget the tops of your ears and the back of your neck. I even saw a cooling spray sunscreen.

6. Bring bottled water from home or have Staples Office Supplies Deliver it to your Resort. This isn't the time to mess with the bad sulfur water of Florida, skip the ice, and Brush your teeth with the bottled water, too!!!! Or take a filtering bottle with you like the " pure water 2 go " kind.

7. Tell ALL your Family Members to watch for the the Low Blood sugar Symptoms, even kids, the can be really observant of your behavior and detect changes early on, things an Adult would dismiss. [So does our cat, by the way! She can tell when I'm high, who knew?]

 

[Secondgradememories]

Thanks Matt for your input. I like the shoe asnalogy. This is like new shoes - it takes breaking in, doesn't it? I have felt shaky and that weird cranky and usually just have a snack - I'll try to test then too and see exactly what is up with my sugars. I'll add the ICE to my Payday when I pack my park bag!

 

[Secondgradememories]

I just wanted to wish you good health on your trip! My son is type 1 (and 5 yrs old) and the two are so different. If it is possible for you to go too low though the glucose tabs are great - we use them for William all of the time. A small box of juice (like a 15 carb box) might also be good - at least with William if he goes too low it is easier for him to drink than chew. Type 1 people often carry cake gel (not the frosting - but the cake gel in the tube) for bad lows as well. Rubbing the gel into the side of the mouth, under the tongue is the fastest way to get the bgl up. I would ask your doctor about how many carbs you need to consume for a low.

I don't know if you're going to try to eat "sugar free" but there are some problems to be aware of. Many of the sugar free items that are baked goods have as many carbs (or more!) than the same item made with sugar. Perhaps it would affect your bgl more slowly if it is sugar free - for my son all that seems to matter is the carb count for something like a sugar-free brownie vs. a regular one. We have gotten a great sugar-free brownie at WDW and it was fairly low carb BUT it was made with sugar alcohols (like malitol/sorbitol) and....I would caution you to be careful with those sweeteners! They can give you terrible diarrhea. He is fine with aspartame and splenda type sweeteners - those seem to cause no problems for us. See how they affect you though!

You can also note the diabetes on your ADR's and talk to the chef. They can prepare you a lower sugar or no-sugar dessert if you would like - and discuss what foods have more added sugar/flour, etc. in them.

If you feel bad - test! Make sure your family member could test you too! I have found a really good touring plan (we use Tour Guide Mike http://www.tourguidemike.com) is really helpful with William - to avoid the long lines and crowds and heat!

Many in my family are type 2 and I just encourage you to be VERY proactive with your doctor. I think a lot of type 2's don't get the treatment they need and deserve frankly. IMHO I think you should be encouraged to test after meals and in the morning so that you know how food affects you, exercise, medications ,etc. It is a complicated disease whether type 1 or 2! You seem really on top of it all so far and with that perspective you will do great!

Thanks to you too Selket! It's funny - there is so much media about how bad diabetes is and how we need to all avoid it, but when I was pre-diabetic my insurance wouldn't cover any education and my doctor basically told me to "watch what I ate." Sheesh! I do test every morning (my highest levels) and before and 2 hours after my main meal. I HAVE to get excercise to keep my levels low. That much I have figured out. I will call and try to get the diabetic label on my ADRs today. How cool is that? I hope I can get a low carb desert out of it!

Good luck with your son. My sister has type one, diagnosed at 4, as did my mom and grandma. Grandma lived to 89 years old - we used to think she was cheating by not taking her shot once a day like the doctor told her to - she would take smaller doses all day long. Brilliant woman who knew her body and managed her sugars well!

Thank you for your support!

 

[Secondgradememories]

I was newly Dx when I went to WDW, too. I have Always been less active, I like things like reading a book, rather than all that hot sweaty outdoor stuff.[Of course it doesn't help that I have Addison's Disease, which causes fatigue especially in hot weather.]

But at WDW I was walking everywhere and all that exercise and my Dh's concern over what food cost and how much he didn't understand, when I said I needed to eat, I meant I was having a low blood sugar moment.
I dropped to 45. But I had the Glucose Tablets with me and my daughter, who had gone to class with me, remembered them, and pushed me to eat 4 of them. After 2 I was getting less confused and after the 3rd. I informed my Dh I would now be carrying part of the food dollars, so I could purchase food when I Needed it!!

So, pack all your meds to carry on the plane, including those glucose tablets[the ones at Walgreen's come in a plastic tube]. Then for a great place to test your blood sugar, go to the Care Centers, it is quiet, cool and they have the friendliest Nurses ever!! They gave me a needle once when I left mine in the room.

1. Carry money with you!!

2. Frozen lemonade is a great treat to keep you hydrated and add a little sugar for that added energy you will burn.

3. Eat 3 meals, even if you share, I like to carry breakfast bars like Special K.

4. If you become fatigued in the afternoon or after a few days, rent a scooter, saving your energy is part of looking after your health, too, it will make for a happy family, and a happy trip!!

5. Use You 30 Sunscreen!! Buy new sun screen every spring! It comes in sprays now and gel for your face. Don't forget the tops of your ears and the back of your neck. I even saw a cooling spray sunscreen.

6. Bring bottled water from home or have Staples Office Supplies Deliver it to your Resort. This isn't the time to mess with the bad sulfur water of Florida, skip the ice, and Brush your teeth with the bottled water, too!!!! Or take a filtering bottle with you like the " pure water 2 go " kind.

7. Tell ALL your Family Members to watch for the the Low Blood sugar Symptoms, even kids, the can be really observant of your behavior and detect changes early on, things an Adult would dismiss. [So does our cat, by the way! She can tell when I'm high, who knew?]

Great tips Tink! I've been telling my kids about the signs, but trying not to scare them. I grew up KNOWING when my mom was low and getting her a cup of orange juice with a tablespoon of sugar stirred in. You are a lucky cat owner to have such a perceptice friend! I think my dog is clueless, sad to say . Thanks and I'll add all of your ideas to my list.

 

[Secondgradememories]

Hi
My DS is type 1, although we haven't been to WDW since he was diagnosed I have been reading AllEarsNet http://allearsnet.com/pl/diabetes.htm . I know it's mainly about type 1 but hopefully you will find it helpful.

Hope you have an amazing time

Thanks! I didn't even know this site existed! It has a lot of great info. Cheers!

 

[Selket]

Good luck with your son. My sister has type one, diagnosed at 4, as did my mom and grandma. Grandma lived to 89 years old

Amazing your GM lived to such a great old age with type 1! That is rare for folks from that era from what I can tell. She was doing MDI before people knew it was better for you. My 5 yr old has been on an insulin pump since he was 2.5 yrs old. I bet your grandma would have loved having one of those!

With so much type 1 in your family (no type 1's in mine except my son!) I'm sure you are very used to some of the issues. I think I would also keep an eye on yourself (not to worry you though!) as there are some folks dx'd with type 2 who later turn out to be type 1.5 or type 1. It is unusual to get adult onset type 1 but it seems to be more common now (or more talked about). I've indirectly met several adult onset type 1's from the Children With Diabetes chat and forums (http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com). Some were misdiagnosed for awhile! There is a type 2 board there also.

The type 2's I know are underserved by their doctors. My brother tests himself about once a month! I think many just aren't given the info on what to do and why and how dangerous it is to not take care of themselves. My aunt is also type 2 and has always been height/weight appropriate - it is not just a disease brought on through obesity or controllable by losing weight, etc. That issue really floats my boat! I've just seen many type 2's whom I think are not given serious enough treatment by their doctor. Fortunately you know enough to be on top of that already.

The Children with Diabetes conference is at WDW this summer in July before you go I think - we'll be there for that (it is held at CSR this year). Have a great trip!

 

[Bsbllmom]

My son is newly diagnosed (February) type1 and he is 11. We have passes to DL and we are there quite often. We take lots of water and lots of snacks prepacked in 15 carb snack bags, tubes of glucose tabs and small juice boxes. We tend to let him go a little higher when we are there because we do so much walking. If you call ahead of time you can find out carb counts of meals at many restaurants. Also when you are there you can modify your meal if you ask your server. We haven't had any problems doing this. My son tests when he is feeling low or if I see that he looks a little pale.

Remember like a pp said it isn't harmful to go a "little" high for a couple of days and the consequences of a low will be a lot worse at the time. I think you will be fine

Also as a pp said you can go to the Children With Diabetes site and everyone in the chatrooms are so helpful.

 

[bopper]

I think it is important that your traveling companions keep an eye on you just in case as you may get too caught up in things and your blood glucose can get a bit off.

Do your traveling companions know when your blood sugar is low? That is, do they know the obvious and subtle symptoms? For my Type 1 DH, his emotions get exaggerated, he gets a kind of look on his face, and sometimes he gets kind of confused.

Do your traveling companions know when your blood sugar is too high? For my DH, the first symptoms are a headache and peeing alot.

Do your traveling companions know how to test your blood sugar? Let them practice before you go.

Do your traveling companions know how to raise your blood sugar? Let them know what you should take...be it glucose tabs, orange juice, etc.

 

[Secondgradememories]

Thank you everyone! Your help has me feeling more confident. I have said "I can do this" about two million times since my diagnosis, and now I get to say it about Disney too.

Selket, thanks for the wed page - another good one! I have been spoken to by my doctor about 1.5. I am a very good match. We'll keep watching it closely. I'm lucky to live near a great Diabetes Center. Minnesota is the place to be ill - the Mayo Clinic and the National Diabetes Center near by. Lucky me????

 

[jayandstacey]

Do your traveling companions know how to raise your blood sugar? Let them know what you should take...be it glucose tabs, orange juice, etc.

One thing to consider here is a small tube of cake letter icing, the gel kind. You know, the little tubes with colored gel that you use to write "happy birthday" on the cake you already iced.

The key to the gel is that someone can squirt it into your mouth and it will absorb into the cheeks. You don't have to be able to chew or swallow (like you do with tabs or OJ.) It wont be quite as fast as a glucogon shot, but in the heat of a "bad moment", it might be better for whoever is trying to help you.

The odds of needing it should be low - but like car insurance...

And one last tip about this - don't buy red gel. If medical help is called, you are out and your mouth is dripping red fluid, you'll have a whole host of new issues!! Green or blue is a little easier to explain...

 

[Secondgradememories]

Perfect timing, jayandstacey - last night I dropped really low for me - 72 ( I have no clue why - ho heat, no excess exercise, no skipped meal...) and I got so out if it that I just started crying. Needless to say the family just thought I had lost it. After, I had another sit down and go over "what they can do to help" talk. The frosting is a great idea - especially not the red - . I'll add some white to my shopping list!

 

[jayandstacey]

Perfect timing, jayandstacey - last night I dropped really low for me - 72 ( I have no clue why - ho heat, no excess exercise, no skipped meal...) and I got so out if it that I just started crying. Needless to say the family just thought I had lost it. After, I had another sit down and go over "what they can do to help" talk. The frosting is a great idea - especially not the red - . I'll add some white to my shopping list!

Yeah, we've only had one real emergency with our Type 1 daughter - a seizure - and she wasn't really that low (maybe 60s). Regardless, she couldn't swallow. We keep a glucogon shot handy, but you may not always have people ready to draw up a needle - so the cake icing is a good (and small and cheap!) solution.

I'm glad to hear that 72 is low and that you have distinct signs at those levels. That's a good sign that your body will help you maintain a level keel - which is the key to long term health. Our daughter is on a pump and we still see some 400s and some 40s. Shes 6 yrs old now, diagnosed at 13 months - I can't imagine what it must be like to live in her body and have no real sense of what is the "right" way to feel.

Anyway, we keep working toward a cure. And when we're not doing that, we'll head to Disney

Enjoy! And when you "come to" with a mouthful of cake icing, say "happy birthday to me!" and give the person who helped you a nice hug.

 

[Selket]

Make sure it is the "gel" and not frosting - like the frosting that goes on top of a cake - NOT that stuff! The gel is sort of see through - like you use to write with on top of the cake.