Heading off camping with insulin might sound a bit tricky if you're not used to managing your diabetes in the great outdoors.
But honestly, stepping out of your everyday routine is just what the doctor ordered! Imagine taking a break, soaking up the healing vibes of nature, losing yourself in the wilderness, and just doing what makes you happy. It's not just fun, it's a key part of handling your diabetes.
And let's be honest, diabetes can be a real drag sometimes, right? It can even lead to burnout and proper serious down days. So why not shake things up and hit the camping trail? It's a brilliant way to recharge, especially when you're managing diabetes!
Related article: Does Insulin Really Need to Be Refrigerated?
Get Ready for Your Camping Adventure!
Believe it or not, camping with diabetes and insulin isn't as daunting as it sounds. The main thing? Just keep on top of what you eat, give yourself your insulin shots as needed, and pack those hypo snacks-pretty much what you're doing every day!
So why not take that routine into the great outdoors? The secret to a smooth camping trip is just being well-prepared and organised. The rest? It's all in your mindset.
Related article: Travelling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
Pack Your Diabetic Supplies Wisely
When you're setting off into the wild or settling into a campsite, it's crucial to have your diabetic gear sorted. It's all about knowing exactly where everything is so you can grab what you need without any fuss, even if something unexpected pops up.
I always pack my diabetes essentials in their own dedicated bag. It's handy to have something like a diabetes organiser. They're fab for keeping everything in order-insulin pens, needles, test strips, glucose meters-all neatly tucked away in dedicated compartments and pockets.
Always bring back-up insulin supplies
Let's face it, camping can throw all sorts of curveballs-dodgy weather, varied physical activities, or even the odd lost bag or two. You might even end up staying longer than planned. Sure, you can't anticipate everything, but you can certainly prepare for the essentials.
I tend to pack about twice as many diabetic supplies as I might need. That means doubling up on insulin, test strips, needles, and glucose monitors.
Don't forget extra fast-acting sugars for those just-in-case moments of hypoglycemia. Tuck all these goodies into a separate bag and stash it safely at the bottom of your rucksack. Hopefully, you won't need it, but it's there if you do.
Related article: Travelling with Insulin on a Plane.
Bring fast-acting sugar snacks for hypoglycemia
Stepping outside your comfort zone with diabetes in tow can be a bit of a challenge, especially when you're far from home conveniences. Less sleep, more activity, and different eating schedules can all mess with your blood sugar levels.
You might find yourself adjusting your insulin more than usual thanks to these changes, risking more frequent dips in blood sugar.
To counter this, pack plenty of fast-acting sugars. If you're tight on space or need to keep the load light, glucose tabs are a brilliant choice. They're small, easy to carry, and get to work quickly, keeping you safe and sound while you enjoy your adventure.
Glucagon Emergency Kit for Wilderness Camping
Heading into the wild? If you're prone to severe hypoglycaemia or planning some intense physical activities, it's a smart move to bring along a Glucagon emergency kit. Out there in the wilderness, hospitals aren't exactly round the corner, and a Glucagon kit could be a lifesaver if your blood sugar drops too low.
These kits include a dose of glucagon, which, when injected, prompts your liver to release stored glucose, quickly boosting your blood sugar levels in critical situations. They're straightforward to use and absolutely vital for anyone dependent on insulin while exploring off the beaten track.
Pack Low-Carb Diabetic Snacks to Avoid Sugar Spikes
When you're out and about, managing your diabetes effectively means having the right snacks on hand.
Opt for nutritious, low-carb options that won't send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster. Things like mixed unsweetened nuts, no-sugar-added trail mixes, canned sardines, olives in a pouch, and beef jerky are not only tasty but also don't leave any waste behind. They're perfect for staving off hunger during hikes and other physical activities without the worry of sugar spikes. Easy to pack and light to carry, they're ideal for any adventure.
Related article: The 10 Best Travel Snacks for Diabetes!
Explore diabetic-friendly camping recipes
There's no denying that one of the biggest challenges when camping with diabetes is managing your diet. Much of the food suitable for camping and hiking tends to be processed, ready-to-eat meals loaded with carbs and unhealthy extras. Yes, it's tricky to keep eating healthily when you're miles away from the nearest farmer's market or a source of fresh food, but it's certainly achievable.
Packing a small camping stove can be a game changer, allowing you to whip up simple yet nutritious dishes in the great outdoors. Angela Manderfeld, a diabetes nutrition expert, has put together an excellent guide on how to maintain a healthy diet while camping.
Now, from my own experience, the biggest challenge when camping with insulin is about keeping your injections cool!
How to Keep Insulin Cool While Camping
Remember that insulin is a temperature-sensitive medicine that must be protected from heat.
Your unopened insulin vials, pens, or cartridges need to be kept at fridge temperature between 2°C and 8°C. Once out of the fridge and opened, they're stable for about a month but need to be kept at room temperature - always below 25°C. Insulin should never be exposed to heat above 25°C, nor should it freeze.
Related article: How to Travel with Insulin That Needs to Be Refrigerated.
Insulin Travel Cooling Cases
If the mercury climbs above 26°C during your camping adventures, you'll need a reliable way to keep your insulin cool.
Sure, you might try a DIY cooling bag, but speaking from extensive experience with wild camping and my insulin pens, nothing beats a proper medical-grade insulin cooler. The peace of mind knowing your insulin is securely stored, without the fuss of ice, is absolutely priceless.
There's a huge variety of insulin coolers on the market, from simple cooling pouches to advanced mini travel fridges for insulin.
At 4AllFamily, we've developed our own range that's become a hit with campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Why? Because they're incredibly adaptable and fit for any situation! Our high-performance medical travel coolers maintain fridge temperatures for your insulin for days on end without needing mains power.
The Chillers Insulin Pouch Coolers even work without a freeze, all you need is water to activate their cooling power!
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