6 Simple Tips For Managing Your Diabetes While Swimming

6 Simple Tips For Managing Your Diabetes While Swimming

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For most people summer is a time when you are outside, more active, and spending a lot of time in the water. With vacations, kids being home from school, and increasing temperatures, going to the pool or the beach are common for most people. Normal routines are often thrown out the window during summer, so how can you keep your diabetes in control while you are swimming? By following these 6 easy steps, I will show you how you can still enjoy your time in the water while keeping your blood sugars in range. 

  1. Stay Hydrated: Remember those of us with type 1 diabetes are more prone to dehydration which can lead to DKA. And who wants to spend their “vacation” in the hospital? With temperatures soaring and more time spent outdoors, it is important to be sure you are drinking adequate amounts of water. The amount of water needed will depend on your weight and health conditions, so check with your doctor for his or her recommendations. Remember if you feel thirsty or like your mouth is dry, you are already dehydrated. 

  2. Never Go Swimming Alone: Although this rule should go for pretty much everyone, for those of us with diabetes it is even more important. If you are alone and your blood sugar drops you are in big trouble. It is recommended you always have on a medical alert bracelet and that someone you know is with you. 

  3. Monitor Your Sugar Often: Swimming is a very strenuous activity that uses almost all of your muscle groups. It is very important to check your blood sugar often while you are swimming to prevent hypoglycemia. If you have a sensor remember it will not read through the water, so please get out every hour and give it a chance to read your glucose before you get back in. 

  4. Keep Your Insulin Protected: Heat can cause your insulin to break down and become less effective. Make sure when you are outside in the heat, you keep your insulin somewhere cool. If you have an insulin pump, be sure your pump is not left sitting out in the sun for long periods of time. Be sure to monitor your sugars closely and if needed, change out your cartridge after a day in the sun.

  5. Anchor those pumps and CGM’s well: Pumps and CGMs are great but we all know during the hot humid and wet summer months, we can have issues with keeping them attached. Be sure to anchor your devices with extra tape and covers as needed to ensure you do not get an interruption in your insulin delivery. When you go swimming it is recommended that you take your pump off, but remember you have no basal with the pump so be sure to reattach at least once every 2 hours to deliver that missed basal amount. 

  6. Keep Your Feet Safe: Always wear some sort of shoe while walking around at the beach or pool, unless you are in the water. Remember to keep your feet safe, free from burns from walking on hot pavement, and free from injury (stepping on glass or broken shells).