Disclaimer: Please check out CIM’s Partners Page to learn more about the companies we work with. It’s important for CIM to recognize and to disclose that our writing may be biased, based on the fact that Omnipod Canada provides sponsorship and support to CIM. We work hard to get information into the hands of the diabetes community whenever we feel it may help people live life without limits.
Summer is in full swing, and over at Connected in Motion we are so excited to experience all the adventures that this season has to offer! We love being able to get outside and get active with the diabetes community. Whether it is swimming*, canoeing, hiking, or camping, you can always catch us trying something new on an adventure or at a Slipstream in the summer.
Of course, living with diabetes means there are some different factors to consider throughout the summer to keep us happy and safe. Our friends at Omnipod® Canada want to share some summer diabetes tips, and let you in on how wearing a tubeless and waterproof* insulin pump can simplify your summer!
Tips to beat the heat!
Warmer weather and sunshine are awesome and make us want to spend more time outdoors in the summer! That being said, heat can have a wide range of impacts on our diabetes, and it’s important to be aware of these impacts. Heat can cause blood glucose (BG) levels to increase quickly…. But also drop low, too. Confusing, right?
Heat can dehydrate our bodies, leading to more concentrated blood glucose which explains the high blood sugars[1]. On the other hand, heat from more direct exposure like hot tubs** can increase blood flow, leading to enhanced insulin absorption and quickly dropping blood sugars[2]. Get in the habit of keeping fast-acting carbs on hand to treat any hypos that could occur. It’s also important to note that heat can impact the effectiveness of medication and diabetes supplies, including insulin, test strips, and glucometers[3].
Keeping yourself hydrated is always important, especially if you plan on being in warm weather for extended periods of time. Check your BG often, and don’t be afraid to discuss adjusting your insulin doses for the summer with your diabetes care team. Keep your diabetes supplies out of the direct sunlight, and keep your insulin cool in the fridge or cooler! Omnipod DASH® allows Temp Basal Presets, which can be useful if you’ve got outdoor plans on a hot day! That way, you can spend more time enjoying your summer plans, and less time worrying about your BGs.
Diving into the water!
It’s fair to say one of the best things about summer is all things water – whether it be hanging by the pool, going for a paddle in a canoe, or lounging at the lake.
Some insulin pumps or CGMs may not be able to get wet – be sure to check any water guidance for your diabetes tech before getting in. Water and sweat may interfere with the adhesive on different diabetes tech. If that’s the case, pre-adhesive products like Skin Tac wipes, Hollister spray, or CGM patches may be useful to integrate into your summer diabetes routine.
If you’re a Podder®, you probably already know that with Omnipod, you can swim without worrying about disconnecting your pump. The Pod has a waterproof IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres (25 feet) for 60 minutes*, so you can swim your heart out this summer! Just make sure to leave your Personal Device Manager (PDM) on the shore. As well, PodPals® are a great adhesive overlay that fit perfectly around the Pod for extra security for all summer activities!
No tubes = no limits!
Warmer weather combined with time off from school and work makes summer a great time to try new and exciting activities. Omnipod’s tubeless feature makes it even easier to stay active AND stay on top of your diabetes care. You can wear your Pod on nearly any part of your body that you’d inject insulin, and you don’t have to worry about any tangled tubes.
Do you wear Omnipod? Let us know how it helps your summer routine!
Ready to simplify your summer? Learn more about the Omnipod 90-day risk-free trial here.
Footnotes
*The Pod has an IP28 rating for up to 7.6 metres (25 feet) for 60 minutes. The Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) is not waterproof.
** Extreme heat or cold can damage Pods and cause them to malfunction. If Pods are exposed to extreme temperatures, inspect them carefully before use.
[1] CDC, Managing Diabetes in the Heat, March 26, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/manage-diabetes-heat.html#:~:text=Heat%20can%20damage%20your%20blood,supplies%20such%20as%20test%20strips
[2] Healthline, Enjoying pools, hot tubs, and the beach with type 1 diabetes https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/pools-hot-tubs-beach-diabetes#Know-the-water-limits-of-your-diabetes-technology
[3] CDC, Managing Diabetes in the Heat, March 26, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/manage-diabetes-heat.html#:~:text=Heat%20can%20damage%20your%20blood,supplies%20such%20as%20test%20strips
