This weekend I'm supposed to go on a camping trip and I think it's safe to say that I'm absolutely freaked out by the idea of it. Each time I've gone away since my diagnosis I've known exactly what type of food I'd be eating and at what time - a hotel or friend's house really helps with this. However, when you're out in the woods planning meals can be difficult and since I do not start my pump until July 5th, I'm stuck with lantus and novlog. Adding to my fears is the fact that I'm supposed to support Courtney in the Tinman Triathlon this weekend as well. Normally I'd eat a hearty breakfast for a day of running around cheering for someone on a triathlon course but I'm not sure the campfire is going to provide much more than a muffin. Because of all the increased activity I'm real worried that I'll be low and won't have a controlled environment to get back to healthy bs levels.
I'll be carrying a supply of clif bars, glucose tabs and apples; hopefully that does the trick. I'll also be using my trusty Frio wallet to keep my insulin cool. Does anyone have any suggestions to reduce my fears of going low?
12 comments:
Let it run a little high. Better to be high than to run low and have no way to fix the problem. If it's temporary, it's not realy a big deal. Good luck. And just remember to keep lots of snacks on hand. You'll be fine. And thanks for the donation!
I agree with Cara; better to be a little higher. I have never done the Lantus/Humalog thing, so I can't offer anything specific to that situation. Is there anyway to pack some additional food for the morning of the triathalon? If it were me I would try getting some protein at breakfast. If you have a fire or grill, eggs can be done easily. Add a slice of cheese and an english muffin/bagel and you have a breakfast sandwich. If you don't have a grill, bring along some peanut butter and bread maybe.
Another thing while you're trying to stay hydrated is to drink vitamin water or one of those waters that has just a little bit of carbs (not a ton like juice) but enough and don't bolus for it? Just an idea, maybe? Not sure how good this advice is, just a couple of ideas that came to mind.
I LOVE camping!! Have fun! And test often...
(and do you mind if I add you to my blogroll?)
are you supposed to eat hotdogs when camping?
or smores?
I agree with cara. You might try reducing the lantus by 10 or 20% so you don't have to fight so much basal insulin.
If you're doing a lot of exercise over a long time period, you can drink a mixture of water and gatorade. I've found that helps me when I'm doing cycling for 15 miles or more. Keeps me hydrated and my sugars up.
And test frequently, like every 40 minutes or so.
Have a great time. Bring us back pictures when you're all done!
Lauren, do you understand that this is a diabetes blog? And that it's about type 1 diabetes??
::shakes head::
I like Bernard's idea of a mixture of water and gatoraid, I drink that anyways... it tastes better! Less in your face flavor for your subtle palate :)
I second (or is that third or even fourth?!) the advice about running a little higher. Reducing the risk of going low by reducing insulin doses does wonders for reducing the fear of going low. And because we're talking short term it really won't do you any harm. In fact, lows in a situation like that often lead to panic and over treating, which in turn leads to more dramatically high blood sugars. I've got the T-shirt for that one.
Most of all, have fun. Don't strive for perfect control in a situation like this. Strive to feel well and have a great weekend!
Test, test, test, test, test. I'll chime in on the run high thing, too. Better safe than sorry.
Do you have any way to access those honey straws that you can get at chi-chi coffee shops? Those are great for treating lows (I can hear the Barton girls groaning). Or cake icing. Both are small and light and perfect for camping (or so I'm told. I don't camp. I've done it. I don't like bugs, which makes it a bit difficult.)
honey straws are fucking nasty, bro
I agree with the others; its much better to run a bit on the high side than deal with lows, and reducing Lantus by a few units should address this. Keep in mind that your activity levels will also be different, unlike sitting in an office all day, you'll be doing things outdoors, so its probably wise to reduce the basal (Lantus) insulin anyway.
Yeah I agree, reducing the Lantus by a unit or two will help quite a bit. Since you'll be doing various activities outside and it's probably going to be warm temperature wise you probably wouldn't need as much Lantus anyways. That's how I am. You'll have your snacks on you in case, so you should be fine. Hope you have fun!
It is hard enough to plan meals for camping trips, but with diabetes it has to be harder.
swiss gear tent
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