Type 1 diabetes and carbs

[PatsMom]

I haven't found Disney to be particularly helpful to diabetics. Since they won't give out carb counts I've never bothered to note the diabetes on my ADR's. It might be helpful if I wanted to ask about a particular ingredient but I pretty much stick to what I think I know. I use the Calorie King book and a couple of apps for my phone.

I know it must be even harder for Type 1's who have to adjust insulin depending on the amount of carbs eaten. I always really admire those who are dealing with children with type I!!!

 

[buffettgirl]

There are a few really great resources that are easy to use if you have a smart phone:
I have an app for my android called "calorie counter" - you just pop in the food and you can change serving sizes, so it's easy to eye ball a cup of mac and cheese etc. There are others as well, but I find that is one I use even at home. It's just very easy to use.

Also, calorieking.com (same as the calorie king book) is nice, you can also change serving sizes.

Many of us with smaller children also carry a small travel scale that weighs in grams and/or collapsible measuring cups.

the biggest issue it seems for us is the food is very fatty as is most restaurant food. And while we can estimate carbs right, and dose insulin fairly well, it's the delay in blood sugar spike from the fat that gets us right around midnight/1am. It's just something that we know is going to happen now. Fortunately, all the walking during the day which would normally cause lows all night is usually ofset by the fat spikes, so it's one of those blessings in disguise really.

 

[Selket]

My son's had type 1 for over 7 years now (since he was 2 yrs old) and we've been to WDW several times - at least every year. I've found I've gotten good at guessing at carbs at restaurants just from looking at the menus of other restaurants that do have the carb info.

I think the chefs are generally willing to make a dish just for you without added sugar, etc. if you request it.

I suppose I'd rather the chefs actually have the freedom to be chefs and improvise their dishes - that would be ideal for me at least.

I don't know about Florida but it does seem that the trend is towards providing more info about what is in the food (calories, fat, allergens, etc). I wouldn't mind getting a ballpark from Disney on what the numbers are for their dishes however!

 

[Alice clones]

I agree that even though we are getting good at WAG's, a general ballpark would be helpful. I have 2 T1 kids, and that is a lot of numbers to crunch every meal. People without D don't realize how much fiber, fat and protien all effect the carb counts and absorption rates, so a general ballpark is helpful. I view it a bit like homecooking. even though the recipe can vary every time i cook it, at least i know if i used an all wheat pasta, wheat/white blend, omega blend etc. you get the idea. With more and more restaurants offering nutritional info, i hope that disney will follow suit. Even at buffets if they offer nutrition info for a serving size, and then leave it to me to do what i do best; measuring/weighing, and all the number crunching.