Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Can You Swim With An Insulin Pump

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Backup Plan Is A Must When Swimming With An Insulin Pump

swimming with my insulin pump

Make sure you have a backup plan in case the battery dies or the device malfunctions. Having a swimming partner is always a good idea, but if youre swimming solo then make sure to have an alternate plan in case of emergency.

But in all cases, always tell the on-duty lifeguard about your insulin pump and ask them if they could watch out for you.

Carry a spare set of batteries with you at all times, just in case. Even though if your insulin pump is waterproof or water-resistant, but thats not 100% guarantee. The electrical circuit board might be proofed from water, but the battery is not. Some water might get inside or in some cases, some water vapour might get inside and damage your battery. So, its always a good idea to have spare batteries.

Showering With An Inulin Pump

There are two ways to safely shower or bathe with your insulin pump.

You can either disconnect it temporarily and take your shower or your bath normally. In that case, make sure you dont disconnect your pump for more than one hour. If your pump is disconnected for too long, you may experience high blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin. To disconnect and reconnect your pump, check the instructions on the pumps manual.

You may also prefer keeping your pump connected to your body during your shower. Its possible, but it requires a few precautions so it does not get damaged by water. Make sure to secure it on a shelf or in a waterproof pouch.

Consecutive Test Your Blood Sugar

When swimming with insulin pump, its advised to test your blood sugar every 15 minutes to see how much exercise has affected it. If your blood sugar drops too low or youre feeling nauseous, you should stop swimming immediately, and drink or eat something.

After each 15 minutes period, you will have a good idea of how your swimming affects your blood level. If your blood sugar havent drop a lot, you can increase the duration, if not, then your should decrease accordingly.

Have snacks on hand in case your blood sugar goes down while swimming and make sure that there is food nearby so that you can eat as soon as possible after getting out of the pool.

If at any time during swimming, either before or after eating something, insulin levels start dropping too quickly for you to correct by taking more food then call emergency services immediately because hyperglycemia needs treatment right away!

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Scuba Diving Snorkeling And Swimming With Diabetes

tl dr yes, you can scuba dive with diabetes, snorkel with diabetes, and swim with diabetes! Heres what you need to know.

I meant to write this post before I left for a two-week Hawaii trip, and since I answered about a question a day on various platforms as I posted pictures from the trip, I really wish I had done it ahead of time. Oh well. I especially wish someone had written this post for me 2 years ago, before my first scuba dive, because I couldnt find a lot of good information on the practicalities of good approaches for dealing with all the details of scuba diving with diabetes and an insulin pump and CGM and now closed loops. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with diabetes are actually pretty common, so here are a few things to keep in mind/tips from me, before diving into some explanations of what I think about for each activity diabetes-wise.

General tips for water activities when living with diabetes:

  • Most important: be aware of your netIOB going into the activity. Positive netIOB plus activity of any kind = expedited low BG. This is the biggest thing I do to avoid lows while scuba diving or snorkeling trying to time breakfast or the previous meal to be a few hours prior so I dont have insulin peaking and accelerated by the activity when Im out in the water and untethered from my usual devices.
  • Now on to the fun stuff.

    Scuba Diving with diabetes:

    Snorkeling with diabetes:

    Swimming with diabetes:

    How Do You Wear A Pump

    Swimming With Insulin Pump: 6 Tips For An Amazing Swim

    At work or formal wear If your pump has a remote, you can happily wear your pump under a shirt. If you have a pump without a remote, a leather pump case can look almost identical to a leather mobile phone case. Those of us that are female can wear our pumps in a bra pouch if thats comfortable for you.

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    Which Insulin Pumps Can Be Worn For Swimming

    At time of writing, May 2013, the insulin pumps which can be worn whilst swimming are the OmniPod from Ypsomed and the Animas Vibe from Animas.

    The OmniPod is well suited to swimming as there is no tubing involved. Be aware, however, that the adhesive that helps the OmniPod stick to your body may loosen in the water so you may need to take steps to ensure it doesnt become loose.

    The Animas Vibe can be worn in the water but to allow swimming, the tubing will need to be sufficiently well kept out of the way to prevent you or anyone else catching on the tubing.

    If you are swimming with your pump o, it is advisable to reduce the rate of insulin delivery for swimming as the increased activity will usually lower blood glucose levels

    If you are unsure about how much to reduce your basal insulin by, or whether to take a carbohydrate based snack before swimming, speak to your diabetes health team.

    Its recommended to test before, after and, where possible, at a midpoint of a swimming session so you can see how the activity has affected your blood glucose levels.

    What Is An Insulin Pump

    An insulin pump constantly gives you a small amount of insulin, called a “basal rate,” throughout the day and night to help control your blood sugar. When you need extra insulin to cover a meal or to correct high blood sugar, you tell the pump to give you a small dose of rapid-acting insulin.

    A traditional insulin pump, which is about the size of a deck of cards, can be clipped to a belt or somewhere in your clothing. Plastic tubing connects the pump to a catheter just under your skin. The catheter is a tiny plastic tube that you insert into your skin using a special needle. You have to change the catheter every 2 or 3 days. You can disconnect the pump from the catheter site for brief periods when you want to go swimming or take a shower.

    Some pumps attach directly to the body and do not need tubing. With this type, a remote device controls the pump. And some pumps are disposable. A pump with no tubing is sometimes called a “pump patch.”

    Some pumps also work as a blood sugar meter, or they communicate with your meter. Some pumps continuously measure glucose. And some pumps can suggest how much insulin you need based on blood sugar readings.

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    How Do You Shower With Insulin Pump

    When you need to put your insulin pump in a specific place, you should shower and bath. It is recommended not to set insulin pumps directly in water, even though they are water-resistant. It can instead be disconnected. Swimming, bathing, or showering are all activities that can be performed with insulin pumps.

    What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision

    138/365 Showering and bathing with an insulin pump and CGM

    Check the facts

    • No, that’s not right. Your body will always need insulin, no matter how well you control your diabetes. An insulin pump may help you keep your blood sugar in your target range, which is the most important part of managing diabetes.
    • You’re right. The most important part of managing diabetes is keeping your blood sugar in your target range. A pump may help you do that.
    • No, that’s not right. Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes. But you can live a long and healthy life by managing your diabetes and keeping your blood sugar in your target range. A pump may help you do that.
    • It may help to go back and read “Get the Facts.” A pump can help you manage diabetes by helping to keep your blood sugar in your target range.
    • No, that’s not right. It would be nice if it were easy, but learning how to use an insulin pump can take some time and effort. Most people find that it’s worth it.
    • Correct! Learning how to use and program your insulin pump takes time and effort, but most people find that it’s worth it.
    • No, it doesn’t require a lot of training. Although it takes some time and effort to learn how to use and program a pump, most people can do it.
    • You may want to go back and read “Get the Facts.” Although it takes some time and effort to learn how to use a pump, most people can do it.

    How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

    Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

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    Diabetes And Swimming Abroad

    • Make sure you take a copy of your prescription and take extra medication and supplies than you would normally need, in case any get lost or stolen.
    • Take a letter from your diabetes healthcare team with you.
    • Test your blood sugar more often as changes in temperature can affect blood sugar levels.
    • Ensure your insulin and diabetes kit are always stored at the appropriate temperature.

    Who Is The Best Candidate For An Insulin Pump What Are Your Responsibilities

    April 10, 2016 by Diabetes Care

    An insulin pump is a device that delivers insulin continuously throughout the day. Its main advantage is that it helps regulate your blood glucose levels this means youll have fewer highs and lows. Is insulin pump therapy right for you?

    Of course, it is important to discuss insulin pump therapy with your diabetes healthcare team but here are some things to consider as you explore this option for insulin therapy.

    Lots of people are good candidates for insulin pumps:

    • Pump therapy is often recommended for people with diabetes whose blood glucose levels arent well controlled.
    • People who are injecting insulin four or five times a day may want to consider the convenience of a pump.
    • People who are willing to do their blood check at least four times a day can benefit from the convenience of making timely changes to regulate blood glucose levels.
    • Adults with irregular schedules might also benefit from a pump: it can be programmed to provide insulin on a schedule that matches your bodys usual needs.

    Here are some tips for people who are considering insulin pump therapy:

    Discuss insulin pump therapy with your healthcare team, and continue to educate yourself about how the pump works and what is involved in maintaining optimal pump therapy.

    This article was sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Animas Canada.

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    In The Event That It Is Stained With Sand Salt Water It Could Be Re

    The MiniMed 640G insulin pump if properly mounted with the reservoir and the inserted tubes is waterproof at a depth of up to 3.6 meters for a maximum of 24 hours. In the event that the affected is the infusion set this must not be cleaned it must be replaced with a new one.

    Since the pump is waterproof water damage is not likely to occur if the pump is splashed or submerged in water. However it is recommended to carefully inspect the pump to ensure that there is no crack before exposing it to water especially if it has been dropped or suspected to be damaged. The pump is not waterproof if it has a crack.

    If you believe that water has entered the pump or observe any other possible malfunction check your blood glucose and treat it as directed by your doctor if necessary. Contact Medtronic for more help. You should contact your doctor whenever you have excessively high or low glucose levels or if you have any questions about your treatment.

    Guardian 2 Link when connected to the sensor and worn is waterproof and fully submersible although we do not recommend immersing it in very hot water . You can wear the transmitter to a depth of 8 feet or 2.4 meters for a maximum of 30 minutes.

    How To Wear An Insulin Pump With A Bathing Suit

    Living With Diabetes: I Go on the Insulin Pump

    Not being able to swim with most insulin pumps does not mean you can’t go to the beach or lay down by the pool with them! Letting your device show can be challenging for many diabetics. But we do encourage you to be proud of who you are and to wear your diabetes devices like your insulin pumps or your continuous blood glucose monitors with confidence.

    Most insulin pumps have clips at the back that allow you to hang them on your clothes. If most men’s bathing shorts have pockets that you can slip your pump in, women’s bathing suits demand a bit more creativity. You may have a rare style that comes with pockets. A thick waistband or the back cutout are also convenient places to clip your pump on a bathing suit. You may also slip the pump into your bra or inside an insulin pump waist belt.

    Warning: remember that insulin is extremely sensitive to heat and can deteriorate when exposed to temperatures above 80°F . Keep it safe and use an insulin cooler whenever you’re spending days at the beach or by the swimming pool during the summer season.

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    More Tips For Managing Diabetes While Traveling Around The World From Cazzy Magennis Of Dream Big Travel Far

    More and more type 1 diabetics are choosing to use insulin pumps, which of course is brilliant! Since I use an insulin pump myself, I thought I would produce a little guide on traveling with insulin pumps, and why insulin pumps are perfect for traveling with type 1 diabetes. While there are some problems associated with traveling with an insulin pump, there are also significant benefits!

    Here are the pros and cons of traveling with an insulin pump!

    Waterproof Insulin Pumps And Cases

    There are very few waterproof insulin pumps: Omnipod Dash, LifeScan Animas Vibe, DANA Diabecare R, and Accu-Check Spirit Combo are the only ones that we know of that can be immersed in water without deterioration. If you’re using one of these, make sure to read the specific instructions and to check at which depth and duration your pump can be immersed in water.

    Waterproof insulin pump cases can be great accessories if youre concerned about your pump getting wet during a shower or if youd like to be able to swim with it.

    We hope youve found answers to all your questions about insulin pumps and water in this article. Dont hesitate to ask and comment in the section below!

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    Swimming With Insulin Pump

    TLDR How do you protect your insulin pump while swimming? If you take it off, how do you monitor your BS without bottoming out while exercising?

    Hey y’all. I did do a search for this, but the only result was 2+ years ago, and didn’t have many responses, so I’m hoping that this group has grown quite a bit since then and might have some new suggestions. 🙂

    So I’m not the diabetic. My mama is, and she’s got a LOT of medical problems. She’s recently been told that she’s going to be prescribed aqua therapy. She’s diabetic, though, and has a lot of anxiety, and pretty much is a negative Nancy when it comes to problem-solving, so I want to know all I can about swimming with diabetes so I can help her when her time comes to get into the pool.

  • What do you do with your insulin pump while you’re in the pool?

  • If you take it off, how do you make sure your blood sugar doesn’t bottom out while you’re exercising?

  • What type of swimwear do you use? Would board shorts work better than an actual swimsuit?

  • Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

    Swimming Pumps And Blood Glucose Levels

    DIABETIC INSULIN PUMP POOL FAIL!

    Whether youre swimming with a pump attached or not, it is important to see how your sugar levels respond to swimming. Its well worth testing your blood glucose before and after swimming and it may be advisable to test after half an hour of swimming to see how your sugar levels are behaving.

    If you are testing your blood glucose levels before , during or after a swimming session, its advisable to wash and fully dry your hands as having water on your hands could affect the accuracy of the test result.

    Also Check: Inulin And Diabetes Type 2

    Swimming With Diabetes: All Your Questions Answered

    Summer is here and that means countless opportunities for swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, water parks, the sea and much much more.

    Some people can feel a little apprehensive when it comes to swimming with diabetes: will it drop my blood sugar? Is my insulin pump waterproof? Is my CGM waterproof? Donât fear.

    Here is my guide to swimming with diabetes whilst on holiday.

    Psst!! … Do you have travel insurance sorted?

    Before traveling anywhere, make sure you have your travel insurance in place. We recommend SafetyWing.â

    Why?

    • You can pause and restart policies each month
    • They are more affordable than many providers

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