insulin Archives - Defying Diabetes

There is lots to think about when getting ready to go travelling with diabetes.

This post will cover what might happen to your sugar levels, general tips about travelling and how to keep your insulin safe in the heat.

Sugar levels

The heat can cause low blood sugar levels for some people. When temperatures rise, the body dilates blood vessels to help us cool down. Dilated blood vessels can cause insulin to absorb more rapidly, resulting in a hypo. Bear this in mind and carry multiple hypo snacks.

The heat can also cause high blood sugar for some people. As I will explain below, hot temperatures can damage insulin meaning it doesn’t work properly. My best advice is to check your sugars more frequently so you catch hypo’s and hyper’s early.

If you are changing time zones, I strongly advice talking to your consultant or doctor first. You can make a plan together to safely adjust your insulin throughout your trip.

Insulin

If insulin is left in direct sunlight or heat for a prolonged period of time, it will cause the insulin to ‘denature’.

This means the insulin is damaged and it will not work properly when injected into the body. This of course can cause high sugar levels because the insulin is not doing its job.

Therefore, it is vital to keep your insulin in the shade, and/or in a cool pack to prevent this from happening.

I recommend checking amazon out for insulin cool packs. This will allow you to enjoy your time at the beach (or whatever you are doing) without worrying about your insulin.

Also make sure you take spare insulin cartridges to replace damaged insulin. Sometimes it does happen and there isn’t much we can do about it. Keep yourself covered so this doesn’t stop you from having fun!

CGM’s and pumps

When travelling with a pump you will need to adjust the time zone on the pump to make sure you are receiving the correct amount of basal insulin.

Furthermore, heat can cause sensors to stop working sometimes, so it is important to take breaks and get your sensor out of the sun.

Always take spares – this covers any faulty sensors, or if your holiday gets extended due to flight cancellations or changing plans.

* Pumps and CGM’s should not go through airport scanners. This is because the x-rays can damage them. Make sure you get a doctors note explaining this and always carry a copy with you when travelling.

Also take a finger stick monitor and insulin pens with you to cover yourself. The last thing you want when travelling is to be panicking and trying to access medication.

Summary check list

Spare pumps
Spare CGM’s or FGM’s
Insulin pens (both basal and bolus)
Spare insulin cartridges for pen/pump
Needles
Testing monitor
Finger stick needles
Finger stick testing strips
Ketone strips and monitor
Cool pack for insulin
Hypo snacks for the journey/duration of the holiday
Plenty of water
Hand wipes
Medical tape (I always pack this incase my sensor becomes loose in the water/heat)
Doctors note to go through security with diabetic supplies

*Ensure you take enough supplies for the duration of your trip + a few days extra. Keep yourself covered for any damaged or lost medication/equipment, or if you stay longer than originally planned.

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If you liked this post, be sure to check out Jamie Oliver’s Jerk Chicken Recipe and 5 foods packed with hidden sugars!

All of these tips are from my personal experience. I have lived in the French Alps for four winter seasons, so I hope these tips help you!

1. The cold can increase insulin absorption time

insulin absorption time - skiing with t1d

When it is cold our blood vessels constrict. This means there is a smaller surface area for insulin to absorb into the blood.

This can cause spikes after eating, so it might be a good idea to inject a little while before eating to allow absorption time.

2. Everyone’s sugars react differently

Skiing uses a lot of energy, so most expect more hypo’s. However, with slower insulin absorption and potential adrenaline spikes from nerves, sugars can spike unexpectedly.

Remember sugar levels do not have to be in range 100% of the time, so my advice is to keep a close eye on your levels and take small correction doses when necessary. Try not to rage bolus if you have high levels!

3. Carry a decent snack

Don’t just shove a couple biscuits in your pocket and think this will be enough (speaking from experience here).

Take fast acting glucose, like glucose tablets or Kendal Mint Cake which are easy to fit into a pocket.

Also take some complex carbs with you like a energy bar or some biscuits.

You are going to need access to a substantial snack, so make sure you have money with you to buy food/drinks.

4. Store your insulin right

When skiing, keep your insulin in a pocket closer to your body to prevent it from freezing.

Thermal pockets might be better than pockets in your outside layer!

Another tip is to consider the temperature of your accommodation. Often chalets, apartments and hotel rooms are really hot, so make sure your insulin is in a cooler part of the room or the fridge.

5. CGM’s/FGM’s and the cold

Sometimes CGM’s/FGM’s do not like the cold and might display ‘sensor too cold’.

Always carry your finger stick monitor so you have a way of checking your levels. And of course make sure you have strips and needles for the duration of your day and trip!

Thank you for reading my top tips on skiing with t1d! I hope you found this useful. Be sure to subscribe and follow me on Instagram!

If you like this post, be sure to check out How I ran Tough Mudder while managing Type 1! and Peanut Butter Bites!

Tag: insulin

Summer travelling tips