Hiking can be a great way to enjoy the great Canadian outdoors and get some exercise. However, taking precautions to stay safe and healthy while hiking is essential. Here are some tips for hiking with diabetes.
Diabetes and Hiking
Hiking with diabetes can be a good combination if you take some precautions. If you have diabetes, hiking can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise simultaneously. Just make sure to follow some safety tips and prepare for your trip! With a bit of preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable hike. And don't forget to pack plenty of diabetes-friendly snacks!
Tips for Hiking With Diabetes Type 1 or Type 2
There isn't much difference between hiking with type 1 diabetes and hiking with type 2 diabetes. However, it's essential to remember that both types of diabetes can result in low blood sugar levels. This is why it's important to pack plenty of snacks and drinks on your hike. It's also a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet or tag in case you get lost and require help.
Related article: The Ultimate CheckList for Traveling with Diabetes!
Investigate the hike before going
Before you go on a hike, it's important to do some research about the trail. Make sure you know the length of the trail and the level of difficulty. This will help you gauge how much food and water you need to bring. It's also important to check the weather forecast before heading out. Extreme heat or cold can be dangerous for people with diabetes.
Do this together with your hiking partner or hiking buddy (if you have one) to make sure both of you know the trail.
Pack for your hike
Don't forget to take all your supplies with you on your hike! This includes your insulin, blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump supplies, glucagon emergency kit, glucose tabs or gel, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. It's also a good idea to pack extra supplies in case you get lost or have an emergency.
Related article: How to Keep Insulin Cool While Traveling?
Dress appropriately for the weather
Wearing the proper clothing is essential when hiking in any type of weather. If it's cold outside, make sure to wear layers of warm clothing. And if it's hot, dress in light-coulored clothing and stay hydrated. It's also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes with good support.
Pack Snacks That Will Give You Sustained Energy Throughout the Hike
When hiking with diabetes, it's important to pack snacks that will give you sustained energy. This means avoiding sugary snacks and drinks. Instead, pack foods like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole-grain crackers. And don't forget to bring plenty of water!
Stop frequently to rest and check your blood sugar
If you start to feel tired on your hike, make sure to stop and rest frequently. It's also a good idea to check your blood sugar level often. This way, you can treat low blood glucose levels right away.
What to Do If You Have a Low Blood Sugar Episode on the Trail
If you have low blood sugars on the trail, it's important to stay calm and act quickly. First, eat or drink something that will raise your blood sugar level. This could be a sugary snack or drink or some glucose tablets. Then, recheck your blood sugar levels after 15 minutes. If they're still low, repeat the process. And if you don't have any food or drink with you, use your emergency glucagon injection.
Related article: Camping With Insulin & Diabetic Supplies.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it's especially important for people with diabetes. When hiking in hot weather, make sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks often. And in cold weather, carry hot tea or coffee thermos to stay warm and hydrated.
Wear a Medical ID Bracelet or Tag
If you have diabetes, it's a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet or tag. This way, if you have a low blood sugar episode on the trail, others will know how to help you.
Carry an extra supply of insulin
When hiking with diabetes, it's important to carry an extra supply of insulin. Insulin can't be stored at high temperatures, so if you're hiking in hot weather, make sure to keep it in an insulin cooler. And in cold weather, keep it close to your body to prevent it from freezing.
Related article: Does Insulin Really Need to Be Refrigerated?
Know Your Limits and Be Prepared to Turn Back if Necessary
It's important to know your limits when hiking with diabetes. Don't be afraid to turn back if you start to feel ill or have a low blood sugar episode. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Adjust Your Medication as Needed
If you are hiking for a long time, make sure to adjust your medication as needed. For example, if you are hiking for more than four hours, you may need to take an extra dose of insulin or less insulin if you are doing extra.
You may need to adjust your insulin doses if you're hiking at a higher altitude. This is because insulin works differently at high altitudes. So, if you're hiking above 3000 feet, make sure to talk to your doctor before adjusting your doses.
Related article: How to Calculate Your Insulin Dose Correctly?
Wear comfortable shoes and socks to avoid blisters
Blisters can be a big problem when hiking, especially for people with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause nerve damage, making it difficult to feel pain. So, it's important to wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit well. And if you feel a hot spot on your foot, stop and put a bandage on it immediately.
Even if you're wearing comfortable shoes, it's still important to check your feet often for blisters, cuts, or other problems. This is because diabetes can cause poor blood flow to the feet, making it difficult to heal wounds. So
Tell someone else where you're going and when you'll be back
It's always a good idea to tell someone else where you're going and when you'll be back, even if you're just going for a short hike. This way, if something happens to you on the trail, someone will know where to look for you.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable hike while managing your diabetes. Just remember to prepare ahead of time and pack plenty of snacks! With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors while keeping your diabetes under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiking good for diabetics?
Yes, hiking is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. Just make sure to follow the tips above to stay safe on the trail.
Does hiking lower blood sugar?
Hiking can lower blood sugar levels, but it can also cause them to rise. So, it's important to check your blood sugar levels often when hiking. If you start to feel low, eat or drink something with sugar. And if your levels are still low after 15 minutes, repeat the process. Overall, hiking is an excellent form of exercise for people with diabetes.
How do I prevent low blood sugar while hiking?
Eating or drinking something with sugar every few hours is the best way to prevent low blood sugar while hiking. It would be best if you also carried snacks with you in case you start to feel low.
How do you keep insulin cool when hiking?
You can keep insulin cool by packing it in an insulin cooler. And in cold weather, you can keep it close to your body to prevent it from freezing.
How much should a Type 2 diabetic walk?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on factors like your fitness level and blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor before starting a hiking program. They can help you set goals and determine how often you should hike. But to give you a clear indication, 30 minutes of exercise is a good goal for most people with diabetes. Try to gradually increase the amount of time you hike as you become more fit. With a little planning and preparation, hiking can be a great way to stay active and manage your diabetes.
Conclusion
If you have diabetes, hiking can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. Just follow the above tips and tricks to enjoying your hike! With some preparation, you can have a safe and enjoyable walk. And don't forget to pack plenty of supplies!
Have you ever hiked with diabetes? What tips would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
