LYD1A KERR

I looove a good hike, and I’m determined to never let type 1 diabetes get in the way!

Here’s my top tips for enjoying safe hikes while managing blood sugar levels.

Lots of snacks

My backpack is always stacked with lots of snacks & drinks for the journey. This is especially important if you’re going to be some distance from any other sugar source. It’s also good to always have food for energy, regardless of blood sugar levels!

Bring a back up glucose monitor

Bring your blood sugar meter to manually check your blood sugar if necessary. This is important even if you use a libre/dexcom because these can fail, especially in different environments eg too hot, too cold, altitude changes, etc!

Be proactive

Be proactive about the direction your blood sugars are trending on your CGM. This helps prevent low blood sugar and any side effects hypos/hypers can have on your energy levels.

I often find my blood sugar can drop quicker than my CGM can keep up with – so it’s important to act on symptoms and how you’re feeling in the moment, before things get worse.

Lots of breaks

Don’t be afraid to take as many breaks as you need. The people you’re hiking with should be aware that you have T1D, and to realise that it may take some time to chill out and fix a blood sugar level. And accept that you might not be cured of your hypo immediately.

Enjoy!

Last but not least, enjoyyy being out in nature & appreciate the beauty of this world <3333

Love, Lydia x