Type 1 diabetes and bushcraft

[Sedgbear]

Hi all.
I'm new to bushcraft and I'm have type 1 diabetes, and was wondering if anyone has any good advice about dealing with diabetes while out in the bush.
Thanks
Ian (from Torbay Devon)


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[HillBill]

Same way you deal with it at home mate. Just keep your insulin handy and glucose/sugar on you. Shouldn't really be any different... just watch what you eat.

 

[MongooseDownUnder]

And check your feet regularly.

 

[Goatboy]

There are special travel wallets that can keep your insulin cool. Some are basically a neoprene slip that you dampen, the evaporation cools the content.

You may have to watch what you eat as a lot of folk eat different things when away as to when at home, this along with more exertion could affect your blood sugar. So eating properly and keeping an eye on your bloods and feet are all good ideas.

Sent via smoke-signal from a woodland in Scotland.

 

[dwardo]

Maybe make sure that anyone you are with is aware of a plan should you need assistance.

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Maybe make sure that anyone you are with is aware of a plan should you need assistance.

This. Definitely this. Make sure that anyone you are hiking with knows what to look out for should you go hypo or hyper. Make sure they know where your BGM is and where your insulin/sweets are. You can get tiny sharps containers (0.2L sharps container), so you don't need to carry a large one around with you.

With care there is no reason that diabetes should prevent you from enjoying the wilds.

J

 

[Bishop]

Definitely buddy up for your initial adventures or at least check your glucose levels more frequently as the calorie expenditure can get a little crazy. You hear people joking about 'country air' giving you an appetite but by the time you have hiked a few miles with a pack then set-up camp, well let's just say you'll understand why this forum has a section called "Lovely Grub"

NB: Outside of its optimum storage temperature range Insulin will degrade in effectiveness however for short trips this is unlikely to be a problem, #common sense rule# If going away for two nights, take Insulin for three.

Though neither I or the wife is diabetic our dog Oscar was and with aid of an insulated food flask and a couple Instant cold packs kept his Caninsulin chilled for seven days on our camping holiday this summer so you should have no problems getting well into or out of the wilderness.

 

[HillBill]

Insulin will last a month without any refrigeration. Or so my specialist says. I don't keep my current insulin pens in the fridge, as they are gone well before a month is up

 

[Robbi]

Insulin will last a month without any refrigeration. Or so my specialist says. I don't keep my current insulin pens in the fridge, as they are gone well before a month is up

He is correct.

 

[Dr Toerag]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BD-SAFE-CLIP-NEEDLE-CLIPPER-1/dp/B007GX4US2 - needle clipper that stores the sharp bits (both needles tips and lancets).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A4EK8HM/ - wallet that if wettened once per day will keep insulin cool.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002QVBC2Q/ - I keep this pot of glucose tabs with me, which is waterproof.
Train everyone you're with. Teach them what to look out for and what to do.
Be aware that you'll need less insulin than normal as you'll be more active than usual and also colder.
A "hypo" is the greatest risk, with infection of needle sites, fingertips from glucose testing being common as well. I carry far more alcohol hand cleaner than anyone else as I have got dirt in a fingertip once or twice and it ruins the weekend.

 

[Tengu]

My late mother was type one and she never let it get in the way of doing things...with precautions that others have suggested.

However she had complications which let her down and killed her eventualy.

 

[santaman2000]

Insulin will last a month without any refrigeration. Or so my specialist says. I don't keep my current insulin pens in the fridge, as they are gone well before a month is up

He is correct.

As long as you stay in the UK that's probably true; but if you venture to warmer climes, not so much.

That said, you also need to protect it from freezing (often overlooked)


The main thing to remember is that your new lifestyle is going to mean a heavier pack: Glucose meter and supplies, Insulin and needles, etc.

 

[Tiley]

I have been a Type 1 Diabetic for 40 years and also have a NCFE Level 3 Bushcraft Instructor's ticket, done in a flurry of enthusiasm which I maintain by teaching it and working freelance.

The key things are these: keep your blood glucose monitor with you at all times and, if it is sluggish or reluctant to operate in the cooler months/weather, keep it near to the warmth of your body. By and large, unless you are in the tropics or the desert, your insulin will be fine. The human DNA copies are generally more stable in a wider range of conditions but it is always worth being moderately but not slavishly watchful about it.

Always let the people who are with you know that you are diabetic. Take a little time to explain the symptoms of hypoglycaemia to them so that, if it does go wrong, they have a clearer idea about what is going on. Make sure that you also tell them where your biscuits, hypostop or glucolet/glucagon is so they can help.

If the circulation to your extremities is a problem, make sure that you keep your feet dry, if possible. Checking them before your curl up in your hammock or on the wood's floor is a few minutes well spent.

Eat regularly and test regularly. That is obvious for we Type 1s. I have found it really useful to 'run things a little high' when it comes to blood glucose levels: that gives both you and your companions some piece of mind. trying to keep things burbling along at between 5 and 7 mmol per litre is well-nigh impossible. Your Hba1c may look a bit odd afterwards but it will have been worth it! I have found, during prolonged times in the outdoors and, more relevantly, the woods, that I miss out my lunchtime dose of insulin because of the work and activity. My evening and nighttime test results thereafter were always spot on the money - never too high, never too low.

If you want any further information or advice, please p.m. me. I'm only too happy to help and I suppose that I do have a certain advantage in being able to talk from experience - nearly all of it positive!

Richard

 

[santaman2000]

..... By and large, unless you are in the tropics or the desert, your insulin will be fine. The human DNA copies are generally more stable in a wider range of conditions but it is always worth being moderately but not slavishly watchful about it.....

I'll start by saying I'm Type 2; but both the label on my insulin (Lantus) and my Diabetic Educator say keep it below 86f (30c) Same thing with the non-insulin Victoza. I live a looooong way from the tropics or desert but those are relatively cool days here in Summer and not unheard of in Winter.

It's most likely good in the UK as long as you're in the open such as out walking, hiking, camping, etc. However, even there you need to remember it gets loads hotter inside a locked car when you're out and about.

 

[rik_uk3]

Sedgbear, you'll be fine chap. Try and get out with local members to develop your skills and educate them about T1D.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/238/dp/B00C..._UL160_SR129,160_&refRID=1WKHFQEQAC1VF8CN1P47 is worth packing, explain how to use the tubes of gel (between teeth and cheek, massage the cheeks and it hits your system quicker).

Stick to eating regular meals and just enjoy yourself.

http://www.leicestershirediabetes.org.uk/uploads/123/documents/ICDS Hypo leaflet.pdf worth members here reading

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116992