Question for Diabetic Pumpers

[zulaya]

My DHis a pumper and is on this internet list for pumpers and recently a person posted about getting GACs for her group because she was taking elementary kids to WDW in the summer and she didn't want them waiting in line in the sun. Supposedly the theory is she doesn't want their insulin to go bad in the heat.

So my question is: Have any of you pumpers ever gotten a GAC because you have a pump?

It seems to me that since there are products out there to attach to and wrap around your pump to keep the insulin cool, that a GAC isn't required here since there are alternatives that each person can take to keep the insulin cool.

Any opinions/experiences?

Thanks

 

[LindaDVC]

I am an insulin pumper and never had trouble with insulin at WDW-- we always travel in the summer.

As a matter of fact we don't feel like we need any special treatment while there.

Husband is a quadraplegic with a power chair, lymphodema, resp. problems, heat sensitivity, etc
Son is severly ADHD
In addition to the insulin I also have been having some heart issues due to narrowed arterties
Parents in their mid 80's often join us too

We just use common sense , pace ourselves, and plan our day to have afternoons in airconditioned locations or back at the hotel for a pool/swim or r and r.

We just got back last week from our annual summer trip and as usual had a great trip!

Linda

 

[ReneeQ]

I have been on an insulin pump for 12 years. In that time I've probably been to Disney 15 times. I've never had a problem with the insulin in my pump.

 

[LauraAngel]

I've never had any problem with the insulin in my pump during the two one-week WDW trips I've taken since I got it 2 years ago and I typically was in the parks all day in the sun, so if anyone was going to have a problem, I'd imagine it would be me. It never would even occur to me to use a GAC just for that...I'd feel exceedingly guilty and frankly, one of the things I love about my pump is how "normal" i can be with it.

 

[mykidsmom]

What is a GAC?

Is this like a fastpass? A rep from JDRF told us today that Disney accomodates people with diabetes because of the tight snack/meal/shot schedule that they are on. We are taking our 5 year old ds who has just been diagnosed. Without wanting special treatment, it would be nice at times to help manage his schedule.

 

[Talking Hands]

They accommodate them by sometimes providing a refrigerator without charging. Also they also will make meals to you needs.
They have never given me any breaks as far as seating at restaurants. PS running late to bad. Not their problem they are reservations only priority seating. Eating schedule is basically your problem.

 

[LindaDVC]

Once at the Japanese restaurant in EPCOT my blood was 45 -- DH told them and they brought me a coke ASAP while we waited for our table!


Linda

 

[Talking Hands]

They will take care of an emergency situation. What they won't do is seat you before others because you need to eat at a certain time.

 

[SueM in MN]

What is a GAC?

Is this like a fastpass?

GAC stands for Guest Assistance Card and it is basically a way to make CMs (cast members) aware of invisible disabilities that need some accomidation. It is not meant to (and usually won't) shorten the wait in line for rides/attractions. It might, for example, allow access to the wheelchair accessible entrance for someone who is not able to climb stairs or needs extra time boarding, or it might allow a wait in a quieter place or a place out of the sun. I am not aware of anyone who got one because of diabetes (other than what the OP mentioned). I'm not really sure that it would help you to manage your schedule at all since it does not give a shorter wait in line.
your best bets are to get to the parks early in the morning and use fastpass. Anyone is able to use fastpass, which shortens your wait in line to 15 minutes or less (once you return for your fastpass time).