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Diabetes and Successful Outdoor Activities

 
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diabetes and success with outdoor activities Hemera/Thinkstock

Living with diabetes takes some extra effort. It involves extra planning, preparation, time and space for supplies. It sometimes requires extra restroom stops, extra stops for snacks if you are out and about, and time to recover from hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia blood glucose levels (BG).

This is standard practice for everyday living with diabetes. I am a woman that wants to be able to do it all!

Most of us can handle our BG pretty well in our life at home or in the office. How can we handle some of the more rigorous outdoor lifestyle adventures while maintaining healthy BG levels?

While packing for a recent kayaking trip I began to take note of the extra precautions that I would need to undertake for optimal diabetes control. I realized that with a little planning it could be done.

Consider pump and meter reliability. Take extra batteries for both.

Keep the temperature in mind. If you are outdoors in a cold climate, wear your pump inside your clothing, next to your body.

Occasionally you might need to insulate it in a bag to keep it from freezing. Extra supplies should also be insulated and packed in the middle of a backpack or carrying case.

There are several waterproof containers for pumps and supplies. Ziploc bags always come in handy to keep supplies safe and clean.

It was even recommended to put my supplies in a waterproof container inside a drag bag and keep it in the cool water as I kayaked to keep it out of the heat.

Also check your adhesive tape for pump infusion sites. There are extra tacky wipes that can be used to preserve the adhesive tape during times of perspiration or water activities.

Take extra supplies and snacks. For fast-acting carbohydrate sources, there are new energy gel packs that are lightweight and easy to carry.

I didn’t have to worry about them melting or weighing too much for the trip. Glucose tablets are still great resources for the same reasons.

The best advice I can offer is to remember to allow extra time in the activity schedule. Test your BG more frequently.

Be sure that someone in your group knows that you have diabetes and what to do in an emergency. Wear your medical ID at all times. Keep hydrated and protect yourself from sunburn.

Remember that life with diabetes does not limit your activity levels. A little thought and preparation makes all the difference.

By Marianne Tetlow “The Diabetes Coach”
The Diabetes Coach is a comprehensive resource and consulting group for individuals or families with a loved one dealing with diabetes. “Helping You To Move Forward While Managing the Ups and Downs”
www.diabeteslifestylecoach.com/

Sources:

“5 Tips for Diabetics to Avoid Heat Related Illness.” Web. Lowermyglucose.com. July 10, 2012
http://lowermyglucose.com/5-tips-for-diabetics-to-avoid-heat-related-illness

“Hypoglycemia and Outdoor Activities.” Web. Joslin.org. July 10, 2012.
http://www.joslin.org/info/Hypoglycemia_and_Outdoor_Activities.html

“With planning and preparation, diabetics can safely take part in outdoor winter activities. Staying active by exercising can help diabetics maintain a healthy lifestyle.” Web. Suite101.com. July 10, 2012.
http://suite101.com/article/diabetes-diabetics-outdoor-winter-exercise-a166684

Reviewed July 13, 2012
by MIchele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

Add a Comment3 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

هلا اختي غلا وعن جد احلى خبر الله .الله يسعدكم ويخليكم لبعض .انصحك في مثل هذا الوقت من السنة تفكرين بموريشيوس جوها بيكون رائع وهي من أفضل الوجهات لشهر العسل .وايا تكون وجهتكم انا حاضر لاي استشارة .الف الف مبروك

June 7, 2013 - 2:37am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Now i'm glad that I noticed www.empowher.com , exactly the suitable information which wanted!

June 6, 2013 - 4:57pm
Blogger

Excellent Job. Diabetes definitely has a daily affect on people's lives so they must be extra resourceful. Good tips. Thanks for sharing.

Marielaina Perrone DDS
Henderson Dental Implants

October 7, 2012 - 1:36pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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