Summertime diabetes management: Swim edition
Summertime diabetes management
Sunblock? Check.
Towel? Check.
Change of clothes? Check.
There are some things we all have to remember for a backyard pool party or a day at the beach. For people living with diabetes, there’s a few extra things to prepare for when enjoying summertime fun.
Let’s dive into a few diabetes management tips for your summertime swim!*
Storing your insulin pump outdoors
When you’re ready to go swimming, you’ll need to disconnect and suspend your insulin pump. But you shouldn’t leave your pump laying out in the hot sun. Although pump storage temperatures vary by model, here are some ideas for where to store your pump and insulin:
- Place the insulin pump and insulin in a Ziploc bag, then put it into a cooler.
- If you don’t have a cooler, place the Ziploc bag with your diabetes supplies into a larger Ziploc bag with ice.
- Set up under the shade of a beach umbrella or tree and wrap your supplies in clothing.
- Use a cooling case, like these ones from Frio®.
Remember, just as your phone can overheat in the sun, so can your pump and insulin, so be sure to take proper precautions.
Packing diabetes supplies
Keeping a checklist will help you remember all your diabetes supplies. For insulin pump users, you’ll want to pack:
- A few infusion sets and serter
- A few reservoirs
- Sensor supplies: sensors, serter, some overtape
- Transmitter and charger
- A few test strips (just in case)
The quantity of what you bring depends on how long you’re planning on being out and, of course, always include backups!
Taking a pump vacation
A pump vacation is when you decide to take a break from wearing an insulin pump for a short period of time. While you’re on a travel vacation, it may help to be on a pump vacation as well if you plan on spending most of your time in and around water. With a smart insulin pen like the InPen™ smart insulin pen, you still get dose calculations and tracking but without needing to reattach for insulin injections.
Sometimes pump vacations make you that much happier to return to your automated insulin delivery system!
Summertime resources for diabetes management
Swimming is fun and a great form of exercise, but there are a few things you should keep in mind including what to consider when starting a new type of exercise regimen. Learn more about swimming with diabetes on our website.
Looking for more? Check out our Summertime Tips resource!
*CAUTION: Medtronic products and their components have varying degrees of water resistance. Refer to the user guide for individual product specifications.
[Originally published 2013-07-03. Updated 2024-06-26]