Summer diabetes management routines: Fashion edition

Summertime brings warmer weather, which means a lighter wardrobe of skirts, shorts and swimwear. So, we asked some of our friends in the diabetes online community for some tips on how they wear their insulin pumps with summer fashion. Read what they had to say, then tell us your own tips in the comments! 

"I wear sundresses and skirts a lot in the summer, and I wear my insulin pump. I wear a garter for my pump around my leg when I wear dresses or skirts and it works great! And if you don't have a garter, try the Spanx or bikeshorts, they also do the trick! At the beach, I've found that a bikini or a V-Neck one piece swimsuit works excellent with my pump! Bikinis allow you to clip your pump to your hip and V-Neck one pieces allow you to clip your pump in the front - and as a bonus, V-Neck one pieces give the illusion of extra curves in the process" 
- Kelly Kunik, living with diabetes for 35 years 

"I am no longer a "true" bikini wearer (age and 2 children put those days behind me)! I now opt for "tankinis" which actually work great for my pump. When I am beach or pool side I simply clip my pump to the bikini style bottoms, but the length of the top allows for my pump to be slightly covered- keeping it away from too much sun screen, sand, and water exposure. It also allows for fairly discreet disconnection/reconnection for when I am ready to be in the water." 
- Cheryl Cormany, Medtronic employee, 32 years old and living with diabetes for 27 years 

"If I'm just running or walking along the beach, I'll clip the pump on my shorts/swim trunks. For other outdoor summer activities, I just clip it my belt, or put it in a small fanny pack. My son who also has diabetes does the same thing. If he's not in the water, the pump is clipped to shorts." 
- Jeff Myers, Medtronic employee, living with diabetes for 31 years, talking about him and his 12-year-old son Benjamin who also has diabetes 

"When I wear skirts or sundresses, I have bike shorts on underneath. They are sturdy enough to hold the pump with the clip. I haven't quite figured out how to get to my pump with a dress on, so I usually just hit the ladies room to enter in my BG and carbs." 
-Sydney Gambrill, 12 years old, living with diabetes for 5 years 

This is the first part of our series on summertime diabetes management routines, so be sure to check back as the temperature rises here on The LOOP! 

Editors note: These are personal experiences from each of the individuals based on their own diabetes management. We can't recommend or guarantee any of the tips or the products mentioned so be sure to work with your healthcare team as you make your plans for the summer.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

- Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems. - Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps

- Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day. - Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.

Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

- The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment. - Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected. For more information, please visit: MedtronicDiabetes.com/isi.