type1 diabetic hiking

“just started using the needle for control of my diabetes would like to know more about storing insulin while on the trail planing a tru hike inacouple of years (soon as kids are out of school) also food meals (carbs are good but bad for me)”

“this may be a start for you.

Can someone point me to some "practical" advice/recommendations/experiences for insulin storage during extended outings (i.e., trekking; backpacking) in hot/tropical environments where neither ice nor gel-pack refreezing is an option? ”

“I don't know the brand, but a company has produced single-use insulin syringes that are already loaded. They seem to have a better shelf-life. Insulin is good for 1 month non refrigerated, if it's not too hot. Keep it packed deep inside your pack for insulation. Also take LOTS of alcohol swipes and alcohol-bases hane sanitizer with you. What type of glucose monitor do you use? Accu-check has some very lightweight and small models that allow you to test anywhere on your body.”

“i use the dex monitor (in the fingers) also have started using the lilly pen with insulin (300 units in it 75/25 mixture pre mixed) small needle dont even feel it at all any advice on food combos during long hikes?”

“this thread has some links to some sites you may find helpful.”

“I would say NEVER hike alone! Even better if you hike with someone familiar with your personal history. ALWAYS carry rescue gel (glutose, etc) ALWAYS wear a Diabetic bracelet, AND a dogtag or similar item on OUTSIDE clothing. Also advisable on isolated hikes would be glucogon injections, but you also need someone who knows how to use them. Low serum glucose can cause a much more serious problem than when slightly elevated. By checking your blood sugar while hiking, you should develop a feel for your caloric intake needs, and what proportion should be complex/simple sugars & carbs. Try to maintain a level of about 100. Get a diabetic's calorie counter booklet, and use it. Talk to your doctor, and get his recomendations/help with hiking/Backpacking. Also, important would be very meticulous foot care, including 3-4 changes of sox daily. Take good care of yourself, there's only one you! Don't get discouraged, you can do it!”

“Bug offers some wonderful information. Years ago I backpacked with a diabetic friend. I had to learn how to give injections, and learn what to do if my friend was not responding.

I would add, make sure you train so you know how your body responds to a lot of physical activity. My friend didn't and so we had to cut our trip short. Some other hikers helped carry his pack to a place we could find help.”

“Also talk to your dietician, who should have information on diet with stenous/endurance exersize.”

“thank you to all those who responded and will welcome any one elses response very good advice on hiking alone. altho 98 per cent of my hiking has been by myself mostly after work (yuk) a short 4.5 mi. i check my level b-4 and after i sometimes do 20 plus on the a.t. b-4 i started using insulin. advid winter camper just myself again the more snow the better! didnt know about changing socks 3-4 times a day once agian thank you to all that responded looking forward to more stinkfoot”

“you might want to change your name. stinkfoot sounds terrible for a diabetic. How about "cleanfoot"?”

“pathman my trail name is oldsinge just decided to use stinkfoot went out hiking today sugar level was 186 when i started and was 115 when i finished only been on insulin for a week learning what to eat and how much is avery hard process to learn . my doctor is still adjusting my insulin (increase) about once a week till we get the right combo.”

“take care of those feet, stinky or not!”

“I've been hiking with Diabetes (type 1) for my entire adult life, often on extended treks (and often alone). Although you can't eliminate the risks that Bug brought up, you also shouldn't let your life be defined by your diabetes. If someone without diabetes can hike alone, so can you. Trust me, it can be done. I returned a couple months ago from 17 days solo in SE Alaska... it was one of the greatest trips I've ever taken, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon.

That being said, it takes a fair bit of planning and some precautions to make it safe.

I've posted up a little blurb about Hiking with Diabetes, since you're not the first person I've seen or talked-to with such questions. http://www.rainforesttreks.com/diabetes.asp

Hope it helps,

- Mike

(EDIT: Holy crap, I just found this message on a search... I didn't realize 'till just now that it was 5 years old. Sorry!)
last edited: 10/20/07 7:29:37 AM”

“I don't know, do it wrong and you are unconcious and alone.

At least with my bad knees on a solo, I am still concious.

My son's friend is diabetic type 1 and mtn bikes, sometimes we have to keep a close eye on him out there. There's that part where occasionally it's gone to far and he is in denial about his lack and we have to sit him down and get him to address the issue, whether it's a need for sugar or insulin, he can get angry and even combative.

I've been on hikes/backpacks where someone in the group (not diabetic) has become irritable/angry and it is usually due to low blood sugar. They don't want to eat, but I make them, (not a fun thing for me to do either). It's amazing the difference within 15 or 30 minutes. I have been thanked, grudgingly by some.

Yes, you have a tighter grip on the problem than others do, (I read your website), but it does not mean that crap won't happen. A buddy is a good thing to have by your side. You know that this stuff can sneak up on you pretty quick.”

“Crap happens....

The people I hike with know I am diabetic, but often I end up hiking alone anyway cause I am also gimpy. So by the time anybody wondered where I was, I'd still be unconscious and alone.

However... I listen to the folks who tell me when they start to get worried about me and take them very seriously.

I strap my meter to straps and check the levels quite frequently. Plus I figure if it's my time to go I am gonna go anyway. So far it hasn't been.

People who get overly upset about being diabetics being out in the woods alone have no problem letting them drive around in a two ton death machine. If I faint on the trail at least I won't take somebody else with me.”

“well pardon me for caring about you! LOL! hey, don't die without me, ok?

i guess i might think more about the car trips if they were "long road trips alone". but those short errand ones between home, work and stores, i don't think about. perhaps because they are not often alone and not for long. maybe i should, eh? maybe you all should have your licenses taken away?! (or not. - devil's advocate here). But, i wasn't allowed a license for a while, epilepsy. my husband had to do without after his stroke.

Maybe diabetics should have a mercury switch so that when you fall over and become still for a set period of time, you set off an alarm that sends someone after you. ROFL!”

“Diabetics who are on insulin are not allowed to have a commercial license. I can not drive bus or trucks that require a commercial license. So you are right about that. But I have been in the situation where it takes only a very short time to go from functioning very normally to being unfit to drive. I have had to stop by the side of the road on a 15 mile drive to let the emergency snack kick in. The short errands can be just as dangerous if not more so if people don't take the issue seriously.

But the point is, if people take their liabilities seriously and make calculated choices they do not need to be governed by those liabilities. I agree that pairs are safer outdoors, but that applies to everyone.”

“yeah, Steve or I will never hold a commercial license and that's ok with me.

the buddy system is safest for everyone, but for those people who might pass out and not come to without assistance, it's an especially safe idea.

i'm glad that you take good care of yourself Rev.”