I just got the word from my doctor that I am no longer producing any insulin on my own thus I am now considered to be type 1 diabetic. I’m just curious if anyone has ever thru-hiked with Type I diabetes. Not a type II but a true type I (also known as juvenile diabetes). If so, how did they acquire insulin or keep it cold enough on the trail.
Cheers
ck
I met a hiker last year in Virginia at Traildays and again at Whitetop Mtn., who was insulin dependent. He stored his insulin in a metal sleeve that inserted into a Nalgeen bottle (his was shop made, the top screwed onto the Nalgeen threads), and he filled the container portion with cold stream water each day and buried it deep in his pack. It kept it cold enough for usage, and he refilled it each day or so… There may have been a small thermometer on the outer portion of the sleeve to monitor water temp., but I do not recall exactly.
As for how he got his insulin refilled, I never asked.
There are also oral meds as well, depending on what you and your doctor decide upon. Everything from pancreatic stimulators to any number of other hyperglycemic-controlling drugs (Glyburide, etc) that you and your doctor can discuss. Learning to eat while hiking with regards to your diabetes and monitoring sugar will be a challenge, but it can be done I am sure.
-xtn
:boy
airferret
Well that’s part of life, huh…hey, here’s the thing we learned. When we hiked in '01 it was with Okie and Trapper from Maine. He’s(Trapper) also diabetic. He carried the test strip stuff and insulin and checked three times per day. Having had it for several years he was well used to how to eat and monitor. Funny thing was he could fuel up with sugar at what ever level he wanted as long as it was relative to insuline. Pound of chocolate, no problem, turn up the wick. Great for up hills. He’d kick butt.
Just a year ago he got into a trial program for the “pump”. I’m not sure how it’s refilled but it keeps the flow normal so no more shots. Seems to work fine.
As for how he got drugs on trail he had his pharmacy send them in styro boxes to the PO with cold bags and picked them up in town. If he missed one he’d hit the local pharmacy or clinic and buy some. Same deal on the trail fridge, cold water. Worked fine. I think one day he ran out but we hitched to town easy enough. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.
Bushwhack
this year a young man (Orphan) and his dad hiked the AT with type 1. you should contract the ADA as they did it for donations. I’m sure they can give you all the advice you need.
mr magoo
My wife is also Type 1 Diabetic and has been since a child. She is a moderate hiker, though not a long-distance hiker. She wears an insulin pump that is similiar in size and looks to an electronic pager. It attaches to her clothing with a clip. The insulin is stored in this “pager” and then is constantly transmitted (at a rate that she designates) through a small wire into a very small infusion site on her tummy area. I believe that she can store up to three days of insulin in this pump and it acts basically like an external pancreas. (This would definitely eliminate the need to keep your insulin cold). Definitely an improvement over constant shots and has made her life much improved.
Her pump is manufactured by Minimed Corp and the technology is constantly improved. I’ve attached Minimeds website and another website that manufactures insulin pumps, as well. The Minimed site has a lot of info and they are a great company that is interested in their patients.
I would get in touch with a Diabetes Educator in your area if you are interested in getting a pump. The educators seem to be a lot more knowledgeable about the latest technological advances than the doctors. Please feel free respond if you’d like more info on this.
Don’t let being Type 1 diabetic get you discouraged. There are many people with diabetes that live healthy, normal lives. Manage the diabetes, don’t let it manage you!
http://www.minimed.com
http://www.myomnipod.com/
luckyone