View Full Version : Thru Hiking with Diabetes
MJune512
03-07-2008, 21:25
Hey Everyone,
This is my first post and I thought I would ask a question dealing with my biggest obstacle when it comes to thru hiking the AT. I have Type 1 diabetes and one of the logistical challenges I have is having my supplies with me for insulin, testing supplies, and syringes. I use an insulin pump but I figure syringes will be lighter and easier on the trail since I wont be eating that regularly and obviously doing a lot of exercise. Has anyone dealt with this or could some of you shed some light on the ability to send packages ahead with supplies. How long with a post office hold on to a package, things like that. I appreciate it.
Matt
For mail drop info, check the articles database. You can find the links on the home page, left column.
Welcome to White Blaze!
Hi Matt, Welcome to WB!:welcome
One of the biggest advantages to bG control with a pump over syringes is with constantly changing schedules and food supplies. Its nice to be able to quickly change your basal by percentage as your body adjusts to the hiking effects... One of the other advantages is the ability to use a faster acting/shorter duration insulin, which I believe will help you a lot as you hike. I'd look less at the ounces difference, and more at the health benefits. I don't think there's that great a wt difference in the long run, either, with mdi over a pump. (But then, hey, I carry an EXTRA pump when I'm away from civilization, along with an extra syringe! Most of the pump companies will let you borrow one if you explain to them what you are doing.)
Insulin is interesting, trying to keep it from freezing, or getting too hot, though you can put it in a waterproof container, and keep it in your water supply. (The bottles, not pre-loaded resevoirs!) Most pharmacies carry Humalog and Novalog to resupply... I usually keep an extra bottle along with me.
Test strips, I put 50 into the cannister designed for 25. I average about 8/day.
Sites and strips you can keep sending ahead in a bounce box.
I'm not a thru hiker, but am a long time type I (39 yrs) who hikes, canoes, travels, camps, and has worked in many remote areas.
Hope you'll reconsider leaving your pump!
You are welcome to PM me.
Mercy
Old Hillwalker
03-08-2008, 08:35
A young couple from California who did a NOBO last year dealt with this very successfully.
Figgy and Stitch http://bltadventure.blogspot.com/
Incidentally, they are the two whose pictures are on this years Companion.
StarLyte
03-08-2008, 08:49
I really enjoy reading these types of posts and feel they are not addressed enough.
I have several health issues and when I backpack, I wear a 2 piece dog tag with most of my medical info (even blood type), my SocSec#, 2 home phone numbers. It cost $9. I also carry a card that I printed myself on a business-type card that gives even more detailed information.
Be safe, think ahead.
HIKE on !
SedentarySteve
03-08-2008, 09:20
Space Monkey (2002) was wearing a diabetic bracelet and explained how he hikes. Click on Tales of the Trail, find June 16 and scroll to Space Monkey, pls.
http://sedentarysteve.googlepages.com/home
Happy Trails, Matt!
Pauline Houle
03-08-2008, 18:56
As a former Diabetes educator I would recommend staying on the pump. Your basal rate is steady with a pump, whereas you will have sharp lows and highs on injections. You need to do several short hikes and test hourly to see how your body reacts. Go from there.:sun
I really enjoy reading these types of posts and feel they are not addressed enough.
I have several health issues and when I backpack, I wear a 2 piece dog tag with most of my medical info (even blood type), my SocSec#, 2 home phone numbers. It cost $9. I also carry a card that I printed myself on a business-type card that gives even more detailed information.
Be safe, think ahead.
HIKE on !
Consider re-doing them sans your SSN. Bluelight did his with his telephone number instead which makes more sense. Be cautious just who has access to that number or you might be paying for a new $80,000 travel camper that you never bought or even saw!
orangebug
03-08-2008, 19:38
Agreed. Ditch the SSN, but carry your insurance card and numbers.
Before risking everything on the advice of cyber experts, please run these suggestions by your endocrinologist - or seek second opinion with a sports medicine specialist. There is no way we can provide educated advice without knowing more about you and your history than is appropriate to share in a public forum.
MJune512
03-09-2008, 11:14
Thank you all for the good advice. I wasnt sure about bringing my pump only because I thought it would be difficult to manage all the supplies. I understand more about mail drop and bouncing packages. I think that will work great. Ive been hiking dozens and dozens of times in the Smokies and I never have any blood sugar problems with the pump so I guess I wont change anything. Thanks again and good luck in your adventures everyone.