Type 2

[camper49]

Just found out I have type 2 diabetes. Cruising February 2. Have cruised many times so I realize there are many food choices. 

Would like to hear from those that have cruised with type 2 & how it worked for you. Ty

[leaveitallbehind]

I'm certain your nutritionist will advise you of the best food choices to help control this, but carb management is key.  Just manage your overall mealtime carb intake as a starting point and limit - and choose wisely - your alcohol consumption.  It really is no different (or any more difficult if you are disciplined enough) than managing it at home.  As this is new to you with your recent diagnosis, I would suggest a consultation with your physician prior to the cruise for guidance. But managing your diet (with weight loss if necessary) and making sure you include daily exercise is key to aiding in your control of the situation.   It needs to become your lifestyle.

Edited November 21, 2019 by leaveitallbehind

[Canuker]

With much respect, OP, this is not the place to seek medical advice on a condition that is new to you.

[camper49]

35 minutes ago, Canuker said:

With much respect, OP, this is not the place to seek medical advice on a condition that is new to you.

I understand that. I was not looking for medical advice. 

Just a little support...

[Doug R.]

54 minutes ago, Canuker said:

With much respect, OP, this is not the place to seek medical advice on a condition that is new to you.

I do not regard this as seeking medical advice, rather, a request for fellow type 2 diabetics to share their experiences on their cruises. As a long time type 2, I concur with what @leaveitallbehind posted in their reply. Managing the disease is up to you and you alone. Take advantage of education opportunities including reading. Most important is familiarity with the hidden carbs, not just the obvious ones, the hidden carbs are the one that drive up your blood glucose and make you wonder why. I recommend that you access the American Diabetes  Association website as an excellent resource. Best of luck in your journey with the disease!

[mom says]

27 minutes ago, camper49 said:

I understand that. I was not looking for medical advice. 

Just a little support...

Again, this isn't the place. You need an appointment with a Diabetes Education specialist/ Dietitian in your area, and as suggested, spending time on the ADA website. Learning to live with Diabetes is all about modifying your lifestyle. Cruise ships are no different than hotels or resorts, except that their food choices are greater. There will be plenty of foods from which to choose (some good, some not so good, and some downright bad for you) ; but it's up to you to choose wisely.

[leaveitallbehind]

45 minutes ago, camper49 said:

I understand that. I was not looking for medical advice. 

Just a little support...

 

The first diagnosis of adult onset type 2 diabetes is always, to put it mildly, a surprise.  But once that has settled in, as mentioned before, having a consultation with a nutritionist with direction specific to your diagnosis is key.  It then becomes a matter of understanding what - and when - different food groups come into play.  And - again as mentioned - carb management (aka "counting") needs to become a way of life.  As Doug R. indicates understanding the good v bad carbs will go a long way in your program.  If not doing so already, you also need to add exercise 5-7 days a week to your routine, be it on a treadmill, or a light workout, or whatever works for you.  But in time it all becomes routine and will go along way to helping manage things.  I'm sure you already have had this discussion - as we all have.

 

On board it is no different than that you will become familiar with at home.  Typically cholesterol and calories take the bigger hit with me, but finding the right carb balance isn't to difficult.  You just need to get into a routine at home and follow that same plan on board.  I guess I'm one of the lucky ones but I have not had issues on cruises with this.  The hardest part is forcing myself into the gym every day for some exercise.  But either way, you will survive the week - regardless of how well you follow your plan.  Don't let this stand in your way of enjoying a good cruise!

Edited November 21, 2019 by leaveitallbehind

[Pyrate13]

As a type 2 myself, and a cruise lover, I agree totally with leaveitallbehind. I have not had any issue with finding food that works with a diabetic type diet while on board. Carry on just as you would at home.

[Philob]

I've been type 2 for 20+ years.

 

As you've been recently diagnosed you'll need to watch your carb intake, take your meds, and exercise. 

 

At home I use the treadmill or go to the Y for the other equipment, but on a cruise or vacation I tend to stay away from the fitness center.  So on sea days I do walking laps around the promenade deck or whatever is designated as the jogging track.  Only if the weather is bad or too cold will I head over to the fitness center.

 

More importantly watch your carb intake, no more second helpings of dessert 😎  

 

 

[GUT2407]

4 hours ago, camper49 said:

Just found out I have type 2 diabetes. Cruising February 2. Have cruised many times so I realize there are many food choices. 

Would like to hear from those that have cruised with type 2 & how it worked for you. Ty

I know it’s new to you, but really it is just like at home, pick your meals according to your dietary requirements.

[Toofarfromthesea]

When I was diagnosed with type 2 I went to the classes my Dr. sent me to (that ridiculed the notion of limiting carbs) and I followed the ADA recommended diet of lots of whole grains, and my A1c ballooned.  Then I found a support group on the old usenet, and was taught how to manage the disease by ordinary people who had coped with the disease for years, sometimes decades.  After following their advice my a1c went down to 5.7 and hasn't been a problem since.  You really need to be your own Dr. if you have type 2.  Everyone's body chemistry is different, and foods that spike one person can be perfectly fine for someone else.  Believe your meter.

[martincath]

Agree with all the other diabetics above re: educating yourself first & foremost. Watch out for 'sugar free' & 'no added sugar' stuff, especially desserts on the buffet that might tempt you to try them as they seem ideal for you -  while they may have no added sugars there could still be plenty of natural sugars and of course other carbs!

 

Where cruises excel is that everything on board is made very specifically to the recipes, same every time, and you can find out all you need to know about the nutrition of everything on board just by asking - though it would be best to make a Special Needs request in advance about getting a sharps container in your room, and a meeting with a chef/manager to answer any food questions.

 

For all travel, whether getting to the ship or on port tours, make sure you have appropriate supplies (including snacks) on you, in case of delays or mistakes (I've been served 'diabetic meals' on airlines several times that literally contained not a single item that was fit for me to consume - fruit juice, white rice, white bread, jam, you name it! Ideal if I was heading into hypoglycemic shock basically, but totally wrong for a regular meal). If you're on an insulin pump, be aware some airlines won't let you use some models (WiFi needs to be disabled for takeoff/landing) and you should also check about TSA rules (or other country equivalents) so you know what to expect, potential delays in screening etc.

 

If you're cruising anywhere a different language is spoken, it's also a good idea to have pre-printed cards saying (in each relevant language) that you are diabetic, where is a hospital, I cannot eat sugar etc. so you avoid any translation issues - you can buy such things, e.g. from here, or just print them up yourself in advance as the phrases should be short & simple therefore accurate translations are easy using Google.

 

 

[camper49]

5 hours ago, camper49 said:

Just found out I have type 2 diabetes. Cruising February 2. Have cruised many times so I realize there are many food choices. 

Would like to hear from those that have cruised with type 2 & how it worked for you. Ty

I am slightly overwhelmed with this. I have an appointment with a nutritionist in a few weeks & one next week to learn about testing (which frightens me) . I know it’s up to me & I have a supportive hubby!  This just will be a different cruise as we have always indulged in drinks & mostly ate what we wanted. 

[dfish]

@camper49, relax and take a deep breath.  You will get the hang of this.  Managing this at home is different than on a cruise as you have more control over your food prep at home.  But, feel free to ask tons of questions of the wait staff.

 

I am not shy about asking them to leave off the starches - rice, potatoes, pasta, etc and subbing more vegetables.  I tell them to fill my plate with veggies like green beans, broccoli, etc.  You will notice that salads often contain sugar in the form of dried fruit, etc.  Ask for a plain lettuce salad with tomato and cucumber.  Ask to have sauces on the side and if they are overly sweet, leave them off.   Vinegar and oil salad dressings are the safest.  

 

You can have a treat now and then.  Couple it with an increase in physical activity - take the stairs, jump on the treadmill, do an active excursion rather than a bus tour.  

 

I always carry a protein bar with me in case I do start to fall a little low in blood sugar.  You'll get to recognize the symptoms and can treat quickly.  

 

Mostly, relax and enjoy your cruise.  The changes you make won't impact your enjoyment of the cruise.   In fact, the more you get into the management of your disease, the better you'll feel and the more you'll enjoy yourself.  

[2wheelin]

1 hour ago, camper49 said:

I am slightly overwhelmed with this. I have an appointment with a nutritionist in a few weeks & one next week to learn about testing (which frightens me) . I know it’s up to me & I have a supportive hubby!  This just will be a different cruise as we have always indulged in drinks & mostly ate what we wanted. 

Sounds like you are on top of this with the proper attitude and quest for information. Sorry you have to deal with this but please ignore the negative Nellies here who suggest you should not post here. You are getting exactly what you need from the others who are trying to be helpful. You obviously did not come here asking for medical advice but rather what others have experienced. Those experiences will help shape what you need to ask your nutritionist. Just remember not all nutritionists are created equal. Read....Read....Read.

I work in diabetes research and it is true that not all patients react the same.

[clo]

1 hour ago, dfish said:

Managing this at home is different than on a cruise as you have more control over your food prep at home. 

Totally true.  But.  On a ship you have way more healthy things to choose from than the average person will have in their home. I'm specifically thinking about salad bars.

[GUT2407]

I find carbs the biggest problems, bread, pasta, potatoes are everywhere in delicious forms, ration those tightly and you should help you BGL.

[camper49]

1 hour ago, 2wheelin said:

Sounds like you are on top of this with the proper attitude and quest for information. Sorry you have to deal with this but please ignore the negative Nellies here who suggest you should not post here. You are getting exactly what you need from the others who are trying to be helpful. You obviously did not come here asking for medical advice but rather what others have experienced. Those experiences will help shape what you need to ask your nutritionist. Just remember not all nutritionists are created equal. Read....Read....Read.

I work in diabetes research and it is true that not all patients react the same.

Thanks! Trying to learn all I can & know a little something before I see the nutritionist. My a1c is 6.6 so I guess it could be worse...

[cb at sea]

You will learn what you can eat, and how much of it you can have.    No worries....it will be no different from your daily eating habits, if you watch yourself!

 

[clo]

I would also look around for a support group (online?).

[leaveitallbehind]

3 hours ago, camper49 said:

Thanks! Trying to learn all I can & know a little something before I see the nutritionist. My a1c is 6.6 so I guess it could be worse...

 

That is a very manageable number and is essentially borderline diabetic as 6.5 is typically considered pre-diabetic.  Good diet and exercise should have very positive impact on managing this.  Sounds like it was diagnosed early, which is good!

[mnocket]

12 hours ago, mom says said:

Again, this isn't the place. You need an appointment with a Diabetes Education specialist/ Dietitian in your area,

Couldn't disagree more.  Many people with medical issues seek support from others who share their experiences.  This is not INSTEAD OF, but IN ADDITION TO doctor consultations.  I have no idea why you immediately jumped to the conclusion that OP has not sought medical attention.  While you admonish OP for seeking advice here, I applaud it.  

[mnocket]

9 hours ago, camper49 said:

I am slightly overwhelmed with this. I have an appointment with a nutritionist in a few weeks & one next week to learn about testing (which frightens me) . I know it’s up to me & I have a supportive hubby!  This just will be a different cruise as we have always indulged in drinks & mostly ate what we wanted. 

A lot of Type 2s  would love to have your A1c of 6.6 .  The ADA classifies those with A1C  5.7 - 6.5 as Pre-Diabetic.  With an A1C of 6.6 you are just over the line.  You will most likely be able to control you diabetes with diet alone - although exercise should also be part of your lifestyle change.  I have achieved an A1C of 5.5 -5.7 with diet alone.  After my diagnosis I pretty much cut out carbs.  I have actually found that I can "cheat" occasionally and still maintain an acceptable A1C.  The key, especially early on, is to test your BG an hour after eating.  This will let you know how you react to certain meals.  And, don't worry about testing,  it's a piece of cake.  It's good that you caught this early.  With the proper lifestyle changes you should be able to avoid the many health consequences associated with poorly controlled Type 2. It sounds like you are starting off on the right foot.   

 

As for cruising advice......  Proteins are your friend and carbs are the enemy.  Beef, chicken, fish, have at it.  Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, chips, etc. are a no-no.  You can easily find lots to eat at the buffet. At the pool grill you can have hamburgers and hot dogs - just leave the bun behind.  In the main dining room you let the waiter know you are type 2 and ask him to leave the starches off your plate.  You may even want to double up on the protein to compensate.  They also have sugar free deserts.  Please keep in mind that sugar free is not the same as low carb.   For me, they do not raise my BG unacceptably. This is why testing is so important - it lets you know how certain foods affect YOU.  As for alcohol.....  talk to your nutritionist.  My opinion and experience is that it isn't the alcohol that is the problem.  In fact while moderate amounts of alcohol can raise BG, excessive consumption of alcohol can actually reduce BG.  My experience is that it's the mixes that contain sugar and can spike BG.  So no pina coladas, etc.  I drink gin and diet tonic and it hasn't been a problem for me.  Martinis are also not a problem for me, other than I can't drink very many.  I also have wine at dinner.

 

Those are my experiences -  yours may differ.  Your doing the right thing seeing your Dr and nutritionist.  With time you will learn what does and doesn't work for you. Testing is the key.  Finally here's a book I recommend to people who are newly diagnosed with diabetes 

https://smile.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving/dp/0316182699/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1772JVIC3R0G6&keywords=the+diabetes+solution+by+dr.+bernstein&qid=1574404112&sprefix=the+diabetes+%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-2

[lisiamc]

Once you have your dietary requirements worked out, you’ll know what foods to look for on board.  It’s probably worth a chat with the maitre d’, since he or she can make sure that your meals don’t contain any hidden carbs or other things you don’t want to eat.  Sometimes the menu description doesn’t tell the whole story, but the maitre d’ will be able to get details of ingredients  in a dish.  If an item is on the menu for the next day, liaising with the maitre d’ can ensure that it is prepared in a way that will suit you, eg no sweet barbecue glaze, or no breading if that’s what you want.  They can also help with special requests for diabetic-friendly/sugar free desserts, too, if that interests you.

[cruznjan]

Hubby has Type 2 Diabetes, and he has never had problems with food choices on cruises.