Diabetes in Orlando

[Silva]

Hi,
I was told in October that I'm type one diabetes and have to inject insulin four times a day, I'm a bit worried about going to Orlando as it one thing or another any one got any advice?
Cheers

[disney dave]

dd 1( aged 3 at diagnosis) and 2 (aged 16 at diagnosis) are both type1 its dd2 10th time to the land of the mouse this year at 21 shes been 3 times with her friends on her own....dd2 is not far behind at 19 shes been 9 times once which her big sister.....

you will find that there are quite a few people on the dibb who are on insulin for their diabetes.....if you search diabetes from the top bar you will find alot of info that may help.

main issues ask you diabetes specalist nurse/gp/consultant for a letter to say you are carrying insulin. tell the customs people you are carrying insulin when your bag is screened..dh used to get pulled everytime when he forgot to tell them he had dd1 stuff!!

all insulin for you hols is kept in hand lugage as it will freeze in your suite case. split the rest of your gear in two cases incase your lugage get delayed.

dont order diabetic diet on plane ...not enough carbs...take extra food but you may have to bin stuff before you land due to usa laws on bringing food into the country. you can take stuff like digestives and lucozade tablets/lucozade in your case. if you need lucozade for the plane buy some airside( after customs as you cannot take liquids through)

we find florida heat effects both dd very differantly dd1 goes low dd2 goes high....its a case of adjusting insulin ( and to make thing easier change the time on your meter!! for working out what time you did your blood!) as needed. make sure you drink loads.

loads of food in the parks over the years there is more healthy options to choose from... main issue with the dds was there was only diet coke and water in the parks the rest sugary drinks!!!!! now they have added low sguar lemonade in some food outlets.

its much easier on 4 times a day insulin to adjust you control, and eat when you are ready than being on 2x a day insulin. if you book a meal and they keep you waiting mention that you need to eat and they will do their best to help in most places.

the girls usually go to the "ladies restrooms"to inject as it saves people asking questions. the parks are really clean although some of the off site resturants are a bit to be desired!!!!

we have been luckly and not needed a doctor in the time we have been in the usa but there is loads of walk in centers and local hospitals to seek advice.

be aware dd1 has been know to hypo after being in the water parks as you dont realise how much energy you are using. she takes glucose tabs in a water proof swim box when shes in the water parks.

if you do hypo expect plenty of advice the americans love to think that they are expert in diabetes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you need any more help pm either disney dave, pinkerbell_87 or vicky1lillo

diabetes doesnt stop you doing anything you want to do you just have to sit for a few minutes and figure out how to do it!!!!
hope this helps the main thing is you enjoy yourself and have fun :wave:

lesley
ps i have type 2 diabetes as well!!!

[disney dave]

just bumping so anyone can add to the advice :blush: lesley

[Clare]

just bumping so anyone can add to the advice :blush: lesley

I think Lesley's covered pretty much everything :)

Just to add I'm also type 1 on 5 injections a day (diagnosed 33 years ago), and don't have any problems on holiday, I do sometimes have a few highs or lows while I adjust but it's no biggie.

A little known fact is you can have a note put on your ADRs to keep waiting time to a minimum as you are insulin dependent (handy if you've taken your insulin in preparation for eating).

[Sheeps68]

I'm not diabetic but do have injectable medication. Just a word of warning if you go to Kennedy (especially) to take your medical letter with you as it makes security so much easier for carrying needles etc.

[Silva]

thanks guy for the information I be going away on holiday in october in spain so that will be a first!!! Shall do some more information research as well, what is the best way to carry insulin in hot heat??

[Sarah84]

Great adive there from Lesley.

Im also type 1 on two injections a day and been to the US twice now since i was diagnosed 8 years ago (at 16) and have had no problems really, few high and low sugar levels mainly low but easy enough to sort out as you know no different fromw hen it happens at home. And nothing ever been mentioned by customs either (though did carry a letter incase)

[gasmark7]

Agree with all Disney Dave sdays. try not to be too bothered about it and have a great time.

What I do recommend is a coolpouch to carry your insulin. Have a look at http://www.friouk.com Keeps my insulin cool when I'm out and about