[pct-l] Planning for diabetic hiker

[Janet Grossman]

Joe,
I'm also Type 1, and though I had to abort my 2007 thru-hike due to incapacitating blisters all over both feet (despite lots of training in the same socks and shoes), I've been doing section hikes since then. The longest was 400 miles through the High Sierra in August 2010.
I have always just kept my insulin in the middle of my pack, usually sort of on top of my sleeping bag, and it's been fine. I've had more concerns about it freezing at night than cooking during the day, but resolved that by putting it (and my meter) in the foot of my sleeping bag at night.
I haven't bothered about figuring specific carb ratios, just have very different and lower basal rates for backpacking than "normal" times. I'm a vegan and have managed generally very well with my "winging it" method of bolusing for food intake.
Although I've been wearing a pump since 1986 (was in DCCT and am still in EDIC), I haven't yet tried a CGM, just can't bring myself to have one more thing attached to myself. I have enough trouble with infusion sites for my pump that don't work well, or that get rubbed by my hip belt. I continue to use basically abdominal areas and do have to change my infusion sites at 3 days on the trail or I start getting high BGs.
It sounds like you're better than I am at doing the official figuring-out of things like your ratios, so I am sure you'll come up with something that works for you. Have a wonderful hike!
Janet

Any other Type 1 diabetic hikers out there?  I am planning my thru hike now,
and am struggling with several issues:

1)      How to keep insulin viable during the desert?  What is the coolest
part of the pack?  Away from sun and body heat?

2)      Best carb ratios for meals?   I am finding almost no data on
sustained high output / 4,000 calorie diets     Thinking 50 - 60%.

3)      Continuous monitoring:  I have the Dexcom system, but the patch goes
right where the hip belt goes.  Any alternatives?



Joe B.