please from first hand Type 1 diabetics who use an insulin pump and remote meter. Is your pump waterproof? Issues from intrusion? Make and model? Has the pump been worthwhile investment for kayaking and other general lifestyle? What changes if any would you make to your choice in pump or meter or supplies? Other insights or wisdom? Just seeking pump experiences please. We are well versed in diet, exercise and life choices that induce/reduce Type 1.
Not a diabetic but…
I found the following on one reputable site and a variety of info that said pretty much the same thing on other sites.
It might matter how long your paddling trips tend to be, in terms of paddling with it.
“Showering and bathing are other instances when you should know where to put your insulin pump. Although insulin pumps are water resistant, they should not be set directly in the water. Instead, you can disconnect it. All insulin pumps have a disconnect port for activities, such as swimming, bathing, or showering. Some pumps can be placed on the side of the tub, in a shower caddy, or in a soap tray. There are also special cases you can buy. You can hang these cases from your neck or from a shower curtain hook.
No matter what you may think, you can still have fun when you are using an insulin pump. When you exercise or play sports, you can wear a strong elastic waist band with a pump case. You can also wear it on an armband where it is visible. Women can tape the insulin pump to the front of their sports bra.”
Adapting
I’ve had a paddler use one of these successfully.
http://usstore.aquapac.net/product/insulin-pump-case-158a-2/
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
www.the-river-connection.com
fb.me/theriverconnection
Possible support group
– Last Updated: Apr-09-16 9:17 AM EST –
Boy, you are sitting in the midst of some seriously good paddling! And a long season - couldn't keep me out of a boat down there.
OK - given the lack of response here, I just knocked around looking for support groups for diabetes in South Carolina. You may be in similar shoes to me with the illeostomy (Crohns). That is, there are very few people who need a pump and also want to engage in serious kayaking. So I suggest you at least give a try to a local support group, see if you can find others like you.
As a personal disclaimer, I have found that my activity level and easy accommodation to having an illeostomy makes me a poor fit for the usual Crohns support group. People tend to create limits, and you may find few kindred souls given the level of support you need for the diabetes and your preferred activity. But all you need is one or two.
I couldn't find any support groups that showed individual web activity closer than a couple of hours from you. Columbia for example looks like they might have something. But if you want to try closer to home and skip the drive to start, here is a link to a list of diabetes support groups by county. There is one listed for Beauford County. May be your best shot to find other kayakers.
http://www.dlife.com/diabetes_resources/dlife_diabetes_locator/support_groups/south_carolina
Sage Donnely
Has type 1, kayaks at professional level, sponsored by Animas Corporation (insulin pumps).
Google the name, read to your hearts content.
Neat!
I think I spotted a small waterproof band aid covering where her port is set in one of the main photos. Good to know about her.
Omnipod
I’m T1D and go on multi-day kayaking trips wearing an Omnipod pump. You can swim with the Omnipod but you can’t get the remote wet so I keep it in an e-case and keep supplies in a small dry box.
No experience but
I’m doing MDI Levimir and Novalog. I’ve done some research and the Omnipod looks like something I might consider. No tubing and the pod is relatively waterproof.
I run a Dexcom paddling whitewater. I keep my receiver in one of these http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=TPU+Accessory+Case&o1=0&o2=0&o3=381-19
I bet the Omnipod control would work with one of those as well.