Many people with diabetes find swimming to be a great form of exercise. The buoyancy in the water can make it easier for those who have problems walking or standing on their own, and swimming is a low-impact way to get your cardio workout in. However, there are some precautions that you should take if you want to swim while wearing an insulin pump. In this article, you will gain some knowledge about swimming with insulin pump.
Check your insulin pump
Check to make sure your insulin pump is waterproof or water-resistant if you’re planning to go swimming with insulin pump.
Some pumps are designed to be waterproof, and some have a certain level of water-resistance. The best way to know is by checking the manual that came with the device! If you don’t have the manual anymore, you can always have that information on the device’s website or check with your doctor.
Also, check the level of insulin inside your insulin pump. If your insulin level is more than 50%, then it’s good to go swimming.
If your insulin pump is water-resistant, you might want to use something like an waterproof patch or waterproof pouch, this way, you can still swim with your insulin pump.
Insulin pump’s battery life
Know your pump’s battery life before you go swimming, too. Most pumps should have a battery life of at least eight hours in an alarm mode and 12-16 hours without the audible alarms – but it’s always best to check before taking them for a dip!
Backup plan is a must when swimming with an 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 you’re 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 that’s 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, it’s always a good idea to have spare batteries.
Mind the temperature
Check the water temperature before entering the pool. If the water is cold, swimming can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if you swim an individua. To reduce risk of insulin exposure while in water:
- Minimize time spent in the water (less than 20 minutes) .
- Do not take any insulin before getting into the pool.
- Eat at least 30 grams carbohydrates-rich food per hour when swimming to prevent low blood sugar levels.
But if the water is too hot, then your insulin will lose its effectiveness. You should always check the temperature range of your insulin & insulin pump as they varies from brand to brand. Remember that if you’re swimming outdoor, weather temperature must be taken into account as well.
Consecutive test your blood sugar
When swimming with insulin pump, it’s 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 you’re 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 haven’t drop a lot, you can increase the duration, if not, then your should decrease accordingly.
Have snacks on hand (or rather on land) 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 (high glucose) needs treatment right away!
Keep yourself hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated throughout the swimming. This is always a good advice for anyone swimming, not just people with diabetes. It is important to stay hydrated because swimming requires a lot of physical effort and you may find yourself not having as much access to water at the pool.
Leave your insulin pump on the shore
If you know how much your blood sugar drop after a period of swimming, you might not have to carry the insulin pump on you while swimming. Put the insulin on the ground, in some shade or insulated bag if you’re swimming outdoor.
Final words
Swimming is the perfect exercise to get some much-needed body activity without the worry of insulin crashing. The key to swimming is staying hydrated, so drink plenty before your swim and bring a bottle or two with you in case you need more water throughout. Always use your common sense and some precautions when swimming with insulin pump.
Safe swimming.