Diabetic thru hikers

imported
#1

As a T2 diabetic on Metformin, what precautions should I take to protect my health on the trail. I am in good health otherwise. Will be 78 when my friend and I start in March 2013 from Springer. Thanks, Terbear

Terry Green

#2

I am a T2 and Sectioning - we are up to Virginia this year. I find that most trail food is high carb and evening meals tent to be real carb bombs - I am trying dehydration of lots of veggies this year for fillers. Do so long distract practice hikes and watch your blood sugar - I check mine about 5 times a day to start and the drop down to 2-3. Eat constantly and count carbs throughout the day (meal planning is essential and resupply can be difficult as choices may be limited). I keep all my meds in small nalgene bottles and count them out each day - you may find that your need for Met drops as you lose weight and get your trail legs. Lastly take real good care of your feet and catch problems early.

Oh, and Met can make you REAL regular so privy’s are real nice when your find them at the right time.

Hike on and enjoy - hope to see you on the trail.

Mapmaker

#3

My husband is type 2 as well and has done a lot of long distance hiking. He generally ends up stopping his meds on a long hike - but talk to your doctor first and monitor carefully to make sure this is appropriate for you. Most hiking diets are very high carb. Jim eats pretty much whatever he wants. The exercise keeps his blood sugar low. Adding more protein to our diet has helped - we eat meat and cheese sandwiches for lunch and meat (tuna, salmon, chicken, ham or spam) in pasta for dinner. It helps keep the hungries at bay. It may take a while to get your body in balance. I knew one diabetic who would go all out one day and crash the next. It took a couple of months for him to figure out intake and output so he wouldn’t crash.

Ginny

#4

I stopped all my meds except for the Metformin while on an attempted thru last year. I kept up the Met because I did not want to go through all the stomach issues from re-starting. As the lady above stated, I pretty much ate as I pleased and had no problems. I started out with my test kit but sent it home after the first week because I was consistently reading below 100. Like the lady said, check with your Dr. test your Sugar and adjust accordingly.
Good Luck.

Charlie “Sparky” Dunn

#5

Metformin is a jealous girlfriend! I have to restart at 1/2 a tablet if I am off of it for more than 2 days.

Eat what you will use, and use what you ate.

Ramprat