Diabetic thru hiking logistics

[RangerZ]

I want to start a thread about the logistics of thru hiking with diabetes. I'm looking for some wisdom about maildrops, etc - I think nutrition is being well covered in other threads.

I am thinking about / starting to plan a 2015 (or later) thru hike.

My thoughts run like this, the insulin pens set the resupply interval. I go thru a fast acting pen in about 16 days and a long acting pen in about 11 days. The common denominator of those two numbers is about 32 days (2 fast acting pens and 3 long acting), with a factor of safety say a resupply after 24 days.

I get 25 test strips in a vial, but 100 would fit, at 4 per day that's 25 days.

The plastic containers that I use for sharps last me about 27 days, one to contain new needles and lancets, and another for used.

Alcohol pads are easy.

For planning purposes use map man's section hiking rates to template out where you might be every 24 days or so and plan a drop box at an appropriate place - avoid the PO that may be closed, etc - use Baltimore Jack's resupply information.

Yes, you could carry twice as much and resupply half as often. Yes, you might test more often, test strips are light, carry more. Yes, you might use less insulin, be flexible and extend the resupply interval.

The drop box would have insulin pens, alcohol pads, needles and Lancets (in a sharps container) - and other stuff, like food.


BD Diabetes Products has sharps disposal guidelines by state - http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.a...=7002&id=10284 . In general, opaque, hard shelled, labeled and taped - every state is a little different.


Am I overthinking this or what? What has worked for people?

[Busky2]

No way are you over thinking! DO you carry a MEDIC ALERT BRACELET so if some does come upon you in trouble they know whats going on? I also wonder about Glucose concentrate for a unscheduled low? My issues would tend to be of the LBS level dangers. Sounds like you have a good bit of careful thought already under your hat, good for you and good luck.

[Jack Tarlin]

My good friend Brendan Fitzpatrick "The Dude" has hiked thousands miles on the A.T. with diabetes. You can easily find him on Facebook and I'm sure he'd be a good resource for you.

[Options]

RangerZ, I am IDDM and planning a thru-hike for 2014. I'm working on logistics now and supplies and dependable drops are at the top my list. I currently use a pump but I am thinking of returning to injections for the thru.

[RangerZ]

I've just started to template out where I would do diabetic resupply, I'm still in Georgia figuring out daily progress. What's going into your thinking process?

[RangerZ]

How goes the planning for your thru? I'm still looking for any wisdom to be had.

[Options]

As of today the Thru is still on. Still looking at a mid Feb. start date. The excitement is starting to build as the dream comes closer to reality. 2014 guide is on order, reviewing pack weight and trying to reduce poundage, researching different infusion sets for the pump and resupply points for meds. I'll constantly have to fine tune my carb/insulin ratios once I'm walking. For that reason I'll always be a little heavy with food. Anxiety builds on the home front, so also dealing with that.

@Squeeze, I'll be lit up with diabetes identifying info. Currently planning on having a blaze orange med alert bracelet as well as a necklace. Also have had the suggestion to get a medic alert tat. We'll see.

[Options]

Forgot to mention that the ATC has provided me a list of past diabetic thru hikers. I've been in contact with some of those individuals who have also provided great insight and advice.

[RangerZ]

I wear a red diabetes dog tag and carry glucose and a card. I have had good control and haven't experienced a low. My local hikes, not as strenous as the AT, haven't given me any problems. I may do a week on the AT here in PA this summer as a test run.

The threads about nutrition and changing insulin rates are interesting, I'm not just there yet. Got to talk to the doc and nutritionist.

[Driver8]

Thanks for starting this thread, Ranger, and to others for contributing. I am diabetic, have lived with it over a decade, more recently have needed the Lantis. I am interested to know more about how to manage this out hiking, starting with day and section hikes.

One question: to what degree is temperature of the pens a worry? Lantis recommends refrigerating its pens until they're used - following this, the only one not in my fridge is the one in use on the bathroom counter. Do pens on the trail in warmer weather need to be kept in a cooling apparatus? If so, what do you recommend?

[RangerZ]

I'm the wrong person to ask that, I don't have the on trail experience. Others on these pages have talked about a water cooler and the evaporative cooling wallets. Within the pack next to a water bottle makes sense also.

Pen Rx info says that unopened pens may also be kept at room temperature for 28 or 42 days depending on the type. It's just that the room we're talking about is 2200 miles long.


I've been dealing with the other end this winter on day hikes. Pens stay warm enough in an insulated case in a day pack.

I get cold exposing my delicate flesh to inject though.


You're not going to carry 6 months worth of pens, that's why I'm interested in the details of diabetic resupply. Get resupplied at the right times, plus have on request boxes planned.

[Options]

I will use a "Frio" wallet for my insulin storage while on the trail. Also check out Stitch and Figgy's 2007 AT thru at http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=210173. Figgy is insulin dependent and appears to do quite well with her management on long distance hikes.

[Driver8]

I will use a "Frio" wallet for my insulin storage while on the trail. Also check out Stitch and Figgy's 2007 AT thru at http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=210173. Figgy is insulin dependent and appears to do quite well with her management on long distance hikes.

That's a winner - thanks for the tip, Options. Sounds like a good solution to the problem.

[Lala1008]

I am T1 insulin dependent- the frio is amazing!! Used it on backpacking trips in 100 degree weather in jersey this summer

[Don H]

One word of warning. If you get hooked up with a group don't let them push you so that you skip meals or snacks. This seems obvious but group dynamics can result in poor decisions. I actually saw this happen.

[RangerZ]

I did a "half marathon", 13.7 miles this afternoon on local trails. I'm virtually hiking the AT, today puts me just short of Hot Springs, NC. Virtual is the way to go, I stay at RangerZ's hostel every night where there are TV, internet, showers, laundry, kitchen privileges, two mousers, and the hostel keeper is friendly.


Work interfers with what I really want to do with my life.

[Options]

Don H you are so right on the group dynamics. Everyone should hike their own hike. Just like a long run: plan your run and run your plan. Great thread RangerZ, thanks.

[Swordpen]

I did a "half marathon", 13.7 miles this afternoon on local trails. I'm virtually hiking the AT, today puts me just short of Hot Springs, NC. Virtual is the way to go, I stay at RangerZ's hostel every night where there are TV, internet, showers, laundry, kitchen privileges, two mousers, and the hostel keeper is friendly.


Work interfers with what I really want to do with my life.

do you have a link on the virtual AT trail?

Thanks!

[RangerZ]

do you have a link on the virtual AT trail?

Thanks!

I'm waiting for Google Earth to get Street View for the trail.

[ColoradoGregg]

Interesting thread. The reason I joined white blaze was to be better informed. I have had type 1 diabetes for nearly 30 years. My wife and I have hiked many long ( 8-12 mile ) hikes in the Rockies. We're planning a few 1-2 night hikes this summer. I have an insulin pump that has literally changed my life. Not sure if I'd want to be on the trail more than 2-3 days though.