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For the last few years I have been lucky enough to go on a number of hen weekends. Nothing beats the chance to let loose with a good group of friends and celebrate the bride to be. Usually packed full of activities and indulgent food it can be an amazing chance to get away but, as with all things when you have diabetes, it can quickly get complicated too.
One thing I pride myself in is never letting my diabetes be the reason I don’t take part in something. Whether it’s a break-out room, canoeing or a trip round a winery I want to be at the heart of it and not be stressing about my blood sugars the whole time. My insulin pump plays a huge part in allowing me to have the flexibility I need, but how can you plan ahead to make sure nothing stands in your way?
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How To Plan For Activities With An Insulin Pump
Knowing what you are going to be doing is half the battle. Making plans and contingencies for how you will handle your diabetes on the go will make you feel more confident and able to relax and take part.
Get A Copy Of the Agenda In Advance
Most of the time you’ll find the bridesmaids will give it to you in plenty time so you can pack accordingly, but if they don’t then just ask. This way you know what is coming and what you need to have on hand. Pub golf has different requirements to bubble football, so give yourself plenty time to make an appropriate plan.
Take Note Of Any Activities Where You Could Get Wet
We love a hot tub on our hen weekends, an excuse to sit with a glass of prosecco and talk well into the early hours. However, sitting in a hot tub of taking on and off wetsuits for paddle boarding both have the same thing in common – it can cause havoc with adhesive for your insulin pump and/or Libre.
That doesn’t mean you can’t take part though. Just make sure you factor in the possibility of adhesive coming loose and pack tape to patch them up and extra spares just in case. If the activities are away from your accommodation then be sure to pack the spares in your bag for the day.
Most insulin pumps are waterproof these days, but if like me you have a tubed pump you might want to disconnect it and enjoy a bit of “free” time while you’re busy. This has a few benefits, in particular it can help prevent a hypo as you reduce your insulin for a brief period. However keep an eye on the time, it is not advised to be disconnected for more than an hour without popping back
How To Pack Insulin Pump Supplies For A Weekend Away
Weekends Away In The UK With Diabetes
Packing can feel like the most daunting part of a weekend away with diabetes, but it doesn’t have to be. I usually find that for a weekend I will only need to change my insulin pump site once (or sometimes not at all), based on changing it every 3 days. Of course this will vary for each individual person. On that bases I will usually take 2 spare sets with me, allowing for a failure or getting it caught on a door handle etc.
One of the things I often forget to pack is a spare battery for my pump, and it’s actually pretty vital. I once ran out of battery while on a trip to Ireland, in a very conservative area on a Sunday. The shops were shut and the hotel didn’t have any spares, but did manage to take one out of a remote that I could use until the next day. It was a horrible experience so learn from my mistakes – pack a spare battery.
Always take your insulin vial with your for pump site changes, as well as your back up pens in case of a pump failure. Of course you will also need all of your testing strips, CGMs etc that you usually use for testing your blood glucose levels.
Travelling Abroad With Diabetes
When travelling abroad you might want to consider doubling up on your diabetes supplies. I tend to pack 4 spare pump sites when 2 would usually be more than enough, just to be on the safe side. Ultimately, when I am abroad I don’t have the NHS to fall back on in an emergency. I don’t want to argue with my travel insurance over the cost of treatment if it is a situation that could have been avoided, like a smashed insulin vial and needing a replacement. So carry extra spares and all will be ok!
Check out my tips for flying with diabetes for more information on travelling abroad
Don’t Forget Hypo Treatments
It doesn’t matter if you’re in the UK or abroad, you don’t want to be caught short without hypo treatments. When you’re having fun, likely drinking alcohol and eating out the chances of you miscalculating a dose are much higher than when you’re just watching the telly at home.
My favoured hypo treatment is Haribo sweets, so I always pack them, but I also take Glucose SOS and glucose tablets as back ups incase I run out. They are great for when you’re out and about as they don’t melt in heat or get too hard and chewy when it’s cold.
How To Plan Outfits With An Insulin Pump
When I first got my insulin pump this is what worried me the most, but now it is second nature to fit my pump into my clothing. I often favour my bra as a good spot to keep it tucked out of the way, but when I’m wearing a high necked outfit like this black bodysuit I find that I just can’t reach it – which is no use when you’re heading out for dinner. Or like with my lace bodysuit or long sleeved bodysuit there just isn’t enough space in the top for the pump to fit nicely.
For my tubed pump I find that just clipping it to my trousers best, if I’m wearing them. You can have instant access to bolus as required, which is perfect for when you’re snacking or eating multiple courses and need to bolus regularly.
In a dress it can be a bit more difficult, but the back of the neck on a higher dress is easily accessible too. Or you can consider trying a garter specially designed to hold and insulin pump.
Eating Out With An Insulin Pump
Heading out to eat is meant to be enjoyable, but fun can easily turn sour if you get the bolus wrong for your meal. Don’t let it stop you though – just take some extra care.
Don’t Pre-Bolus In A Restaurant
While getting your insulin dose in 15 minutes before you eat might be all good and well at home, you don’t know exactly when you’re food will arrive in a restaurant. Hold off on that bolus until you have your food in front of you. You might get a slightly bigger spike than normal but it’s a small price to pay for ensuring you don’t have hypo before the food even gets to you.
Don’t Sweat The Carb Counting
Trying to guess the carbohydrate content in food you haven’t cooked yourself can be really tough. It helps if you just accept upfront that you might get it wrong. I prefer to potentially underestimate the carbs as it is easy enough to bolus a bit extra if I can see my blood glucose rising too much. There are a number of apps you can use to help, and I find Carbs And Cals the best as it provides images that you can compare your portion size to.
This post was sponsored by Femme Luxe Finery.