5 Tips for Camping with Diabetes

November 29, 2020
Jess

Summertime is here which means camping time is upon us. Camping is a great way to spend time with friends and family in nature, or even some alone time for yourself. As a diabetic, you may need to take a few additional precautions when planning for your camping trip. You also need to think about your level of comfort. There are different options for camping such as tents or offers like cabin rentals in Colorado Springs.

We’ve put together 5 tips for camping with diabetes to make your trip a success.

Be sure to pack healthy snacks.

Convenience foods are often very high in simple carbs and simple refined sugars – a diabetic nightmare. Be sure to pack snacks that are conducive to a healthy diabetic lifestyle and diet. Foods high in protein, containing complex carbs, and plenty of fiber are great choices for diabetics. If you’ll have a method of refrigeration available to you on your adventure, bring along some hard-boiled eggs, whole grain bread, unsweetened peanut butter, and fresh fruits and veggies with no sugar added yogurt dips. If you’re bringing pre-packaged foods, be sure to thoroughly read the ingredients and nutrition facts to ensure that your snacks are suitable for maintaining an optimal blood glucose level throughout your camping trip.

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Stay Hydrated.

Hydration is always important any time – but when you’re spending extensive bouts of time outdoors, it becomes even more necessary to make staying adequately hydrated a priority. Be sure to pack enough water and sugar-free hydration, such as bottled water, sparkling water, and electrolyte replacement drinks or mixes. Sparkling water is a great substitution for sugary drinks like soda when you’d like to enjoy a carbonated beverage with your fire-roasted burger. Available in a variety of flavors and varieties, if you haven’t tried this refreshing hydration option, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Don’t Forget to Bring Along Your Medications and Blood Glucose Monitoring Equipment.

Always remember to pack your medications, insulin (if applicable), and blood glucose monitoring equipment. Camping can be a wonderful adventure and a great opportunity to reconnect with nature, but being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to monitor your blood glucose levels can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended. If you find yourself forgetful, write yourself a simple note and place it somewhere you’re sure to see it before you depart. A sticky note on the door at eye level is a foolproof way to ensure that your outdoor adventure is nothing short of memorable – for all of the right reasons.

Pack Emergency Remedies for Low Blood Glucose Levels.

Sometimes conditions like diabetes can be unpredictable despite your best efforts to manage your condition. In the event that you encounter low blood sugar symptoms or readings, it is important that you have the necessary items to quickly remedy the situation so that you are able to get back to feeling yourself and enjoying your camping trip. Be sure to pack low blood sugar quick fixes like candy bars, sugary juice, or glucose tablets so that unforeseen low blood sugar doesn’t have the chance to ruin your trip or end it prematurely.

Notify Family of Your Plans.

It’s important to always let loved ones know where you will be, especially if you plan to travel solo, so that they can check in on you if you’re not back when you intended. In the event that you encounter a diabetic emergency, your loved ones will know exactly where to send help if you need it.

Camping is a fantastic way to travel and spend your spare time in the summer months. Be sure to follow our simple tips to ensure that your outdoor adventure is memorable for years to come.

Author Bio:

mschmidt-headshot-300x300Matt Schmidt is the co-founder of Diabetes Life Solutions and Diabetes365.org. Matt’s father was diagnosed with diabetes and their journey to try and find affordable life insurance for Matt’s diabetic father was a tough one. He decided that no one with diabetes should have to go through that journey and has since been helping find life insurance for diabetics at affordable costs.