Summertime diabetes management: Swim edition

Summertime diabetes management

Sunblock? Check.

Towel? Check.

Change of clothes? Check.

There are some things we all have to remember for a backyard pool party or a day at the beach. For people living with diabetes, there’s a few extra things to prepare for when enjoying summertime fun.

Let’s dive into a few diabetes management tips for your summertime swim!*
 

Storing your insulin pump outdoors
 

When you’re ready to go swimming, you’ll need to disconnect and suspend your insulin pump. But you shouldn’t leave your pump laying out in the hot sun. Although pump storage temperatures vary by model, here are some ideas for where to store your pump and insulin:

• Place the insulin pump and insulin in a Ziploc bag, then put it into a cooler.
• If you don’t have a cooler, place the Ziploc bag with your diabetes supplies into a larger Ziploc bag with ice.
• Set up under the shade of a beach umbrella or tree and wrap your supplies in clothing.
• Use a cooling case, like these ones from Frio®.

Remember, just as your phone can overheat in the sun, so can your pump and insulin, so be sure to take proper precautions.
 

Packing diabetes supplies
 

Keeping a checklist will help you remember all your diabetes supplies. For insulin pump users, you’ll want to pack:

• A few infusion sets and serter
• A few reservoirs
• Sensor supplies: sensors, serter, some overtape
• Transmitter and charger
• A few test strips (just in case)

The quantity of what you bring depends on how long you’re planning on being out and, of course, always include backups!
 

Taking a pump vacation

A pump vacation is when you decide to take a break from wearing an insulin pump for a short period of time. While you’re on a travel vacation, it may help to be on a pump vacation as well if you plan on spending most of your time in and around water. With a smart insulin pen like the InPen™ smart insulin pen, you still get dose calculations and tracking but without needing to reattach for insulin injections.

Sometimes pump vacations make you that much happier to return to your automated insulin delivery system!
 

Summertime resources for diabetes management

Swimming is fun and a great form of exercise, but there are a few things you should keep in mind including what to consider when starting a new type of exercise regimen. Learn more about swimming with diabetes on our website.

Looking for more? Check out our Summertime Tips resource!

*CAUTION: Medtronic products and their components have varying degrees of water resistance. Refer to the user guide for individual product specifications.

[Originally published 2013-07-03. Updated 2024-06-26]

INPEN SAFETY INFORMATION

The InPen is a reusable insulin pen for people living with diabetes. It can be used to deliver insulin, help calculate insulin doses, and estimate carbohydrates for meals. Those under the age of 7 should only use the device with an adult’s supervision. A healthcare provider must prescribe InPen, provide dosage settings, and discuss all potential benefits and risks. Using the device with incorrect therapy settings may lead to severe highs and lows. The InPen should not be used by those unable to test blood glucose levels or the visually impaired. For additional product and important safety information, click here.
 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems. - Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.
 

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps
- Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day. - Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.
 

Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems
- The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment. - Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected. For more information, please visit: MedtronicDiabetes.com/isi.