DCL - snorkeling and T1D

[Lou'sMommy]

My DD9 was diagnosed with T1D about 18 months ago. She's well controlled with A1C of 6.5. We are taking her on her very first cruise on the Fantasy in May -- so, so excited!!

We all want to go on a snorkeling excursion. DH, DS16, and I will all be on hand to keep an eye on her. I want to be sure to have plenty of emergency glucose (and maybe her meter??) with us when we snorkel.

Has anyone done this with their diabetic child? I was thinking of putting the supplies in a waterproof bag and attaching it to my swim suit?? Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks so much!
Mary

 

[buffettgirl]

My DD9 was diagnosed with T1D about 18 months ago. She's well controlled with A1C of 6.5. We are taking her on her very first cruise on the Fantasy in May -- so, so excited!!

We all want to go on a snorkeling excursion. DH, DS16, and I will all be on hand to keep an eye on her. I want to be sure to have plenty of emergency glucose (and maybe her meter??) with us when we snorkel.

Has anyone done this with their diabetic child? I was thinking of putting the supplies in a waterproof bag and attaching it to my swim suit?? Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks so much!
Mary

Do you stay away from a boat for a long period of time? If not, I would leave your meter and glucose on the boat, much like you would if you were just swimming, unless the excursion takes you away from the boat for a long time. Not sure how it works. But, you wouldn't be able to check her BG while in the water anyway, so I'd suggest if you feel you must, just get a dry pack for glucose tabs only.

(boat, I mean not the ship, but whatever excursion boat you launch from during your snorkeling. )

 

[Lou'sMommy]

Well, I guess you are right about the meter being worthless in the ocean!! We haven't been on a cruise in about 15 years. When we went on snorkeling excursions way back then, you would hop off the boat and into the water for maybe 45 minutes before everyone got back on board for the return trip the pier.... I am just thinking that we should have something for her to eat in case she feels low while we are in the water.

Maybe someone has a good suggestion for a water-tight container just big enough for some fast glucose items?

Thanks again,
Mary

 

[Talking Hands]

Well, I guess you are right about the meter being worthless in the ocean!! We haven't been on a cruise in about 15 years. When we went on snorkeling excursions way back then, you would hop off the boat and into the water for maybe 45 minutes before everyone got back on board for the return trip the pier.... I am just thinking that we should have something for her to eat in case she feels low while we are in the water.

Maybe someone has a good suggestion for a water-tight container just big enough for some fast glucose items?

Thanks again,
Mary

As an adult T1D who loves snorkeling, what I do is check my blood sugar prior to going in the water and eat something with carbs and protein like a PBJ before entering the water. I know that I will go low if I am out there in the water for 45 minutes and constantly moving. also if you can keep a small coke with you in case you start to go super low. One of those water proof containers could hold some glucose tabs, or a net bag could hold some tubes of cake gel.