Diabetes Issues – Enjoy Water Activities with Organized Packing

Enjoying the water can be a challenge for a teenager who has diabetes; however, one of the greatest purchases my mother made was buying a Sea Doo.  We spent a lot of time at the lake this past summer riding.  I even got my boating license!  Many times, my friend would come with me to the lake and we would ride and ride.  Being outside all day and in the water is not difficult if your mom is organized (right, Mom?) and remembers to bring all the necessities. If you are going to be on the lake all day and you have diabetes,  make sure you do not face any diabetes issues and use our list to pack your bag.

Diabetic supplies you will need  to pack if you plan to spend the day at the lake:  Glucose pills, snacks, meter, insulin, syringes, extra pump supplies and a Glucagon kit in a plastic container.  We put this in our Sea Doo compartment that is waterproof and then add dry ice. Everything is needed for the day in case of a low or high blood sugar or issues with the pump.  Our Sea Doo is large and if I am careful, I can leave my pump on because I don’t get that wet.  If I’m going to swim or drive a little crazy, I usually take my pump off and keep it in another compartment without the dry ice.  If I do take my pump off and I plan to be in the water all day, I take shots.  It is important for me to check my blood sugar every 2 hours.  As soon as I’m
finished riding, I make sure to shower and then get my pump back on as soon as
possible.  Maybe it is a little more work, but it is SOOO worth it!!!

If you wonder what type of meter I use, I use the One Touch Ultra.  The Medtronic pump is the pump I use now. Sensors for Glucose readings are incorporated with my pump and we can download this information to our doctor and nurse for continued program adjustments for insulin.  We find most of our products at Best Medical Supplies.