British Airways Special meals

[ExXB]

I was having a look around 'Manage my booking' for my next flight to Washington. I noticed that you can select a special meal - most of which are self explanatory.

Despite being a diabetic for over 35 years I have never selected a 'diabetic' meal and was wondering if I should give it a try. However the description For those who need to manage blood sugar levels. Foods excluded are sugars, syrups, jams, cakes and chocolate, unless specifically for diabetics. isn't really that informative - it tells you what you don't get, not what you do.

Has anyone had a recent experience, or can someone from BA educate me? If it's a standard meal, but they don't put the sugar, syrup etc on the tray that would be OK. But if they also reduce the calories that would leave me hungry. (I adjust the amount of short term insulin to what I eat, I don't need to adjust the amount of food I eat, to the insulin I have taken (If that makes sense)).

Any advice, comments would be appreciated. I'm travelling in Club - I assume that makes a difference.

[west lakes]

I was advised by a diabetic specialist (when I was diagnosed) to avoid airline "diabetic meals" as they are more aimed at type 2 (controlled by diet & pills) rather than for type 1's like us.
They may not have sufficient carbohydrates to balance the insulin

In fact I often have to reduce my insulin for a standard meal!

[ExXB]

OK - that makes sense. Type 2s are more likely to need reduced carbs.

I've never really had a problem with 'standard' meals - but I was sorta hoping special meant, you know special ...

I've heard that ordering a special meal means you get served first (which can be an advantage eastbound, so you can get some sleep). But on the other hand I don't really want to broadcast my condition, particularly if I'm travelling with colleagues.

[Alsacienne]

As a Type II diabetic, I ordered special meals for BA's LHR-PHL and BOS-LHR recently.

Meals were served ahead of the main cabin service, and I was also asked if I would like the snack on the outward earlier than the planned time to suit my sugar levels.

In general the meals were 'nicer' than those served to my travelling companion - but the 'ginger chicken with mashed potato' on the return was frankly HORRIBLE - served to us both. The diabetic afternoon 'snack' was both healthier and fresher than that offered to my companion, and I think that I will continue ordering special meals for future long-haul sectors. The 'nibbles' bag offered on LHR-BSL was an insult to anyone who takes their health seriously and watches what they put in their mouth.