Diabetes Devices and Winter Activities: How to Keep Your Devices Safe

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any specific issues or concerns with your diabetes device, such as device malfunctions, sensor errors, or performance complaints, please contact the manufacturer directly. Last updated on 12/04/2024.

Winter is here— and the mountains are calling! Whether you’re carving through fresh powder or sinking into a steaming hot tub surrounded by snow-covered peaks, we’ve got tips to keep your diabetes devices safe and secure all season long.

Tips for Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding and More

When you’re speeding down the mountain or gliding through snow-covered trails, you don’t want to be distracted by worrying about your diabetes devices.

Choose Winter Gear with Pockets and Zippers

Look for ski jackets and snow pants with multiple pockets, zippers and secure compartments. These pockets are ideal for storing your insulin pump, CGM receiver, smartphone and even low snacks. The more accessible and organized your devices and supplies are, the easier it will be to manage your diabetes while on the mountain.

Test and Treat on Chairlift

The chairlift offers the perfect opportunity to check your blood sugar levels. The break in activity gives you time to test and make adjustments– whether it’s taking a correction dose after the adrenaline rush of a fast run or grabbing a quick snack if your blood sugar is low to balance out the exercise.

Utilize Inner Pockets

To protect your diabetes devices from the cold, use inner pockets in your jacket or snow pants. The warmth of your body will keep your devices insulated and prevent them from draining their battery too quickly. Inner pockets are also great for storing low snacks that won’t freeze in the cold (trust us, you don’t want to deal with a frozen juicebox).

Battery Backup

Cold temperatures can cause diabetes devices to drain their batteries faster. To avoid running out of power, pack an extra battery pack or charger. This simple backup can keep your devices up and running throughout your day on the mountain.

Keep Extra Supplies in Lodge

Have an extra stash of backup supplies at the lodge that includes infusion sets, CGM sensors, a glucose meter, test strips, low snacks and Skin Grip Adhesive Patches. You’ll be able to troubleshoot in the convenience of the lodge without having to call it quits early.

Consider Altitude and Exercise

Higher altitudes and physical exertion can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Be mindful of these changes and monitor your blood sugar more frequently. Be ready to adjust your insulin doses and pack extra low snacks just in case.

Tips for Hot Tubs and Saunas

After a long day on the slopes, nothing beats relaxing in a hot tub or sauna. But these heated havens can be a challenge for your diabetes devices.

Remove Your Insulin Pump Before Entering

Hot tubs and saunas expose diabetes devices to intense heat that can degrade insulin. If possible, disconnect your insulin pump before entering to prevent insulin from becoming ineffective due to prolonged heat exposure. While disconnected, monitor your blood sugars closely and reconnect as soon as possible.

If you are an Omnipod user, you won’t be able to disconnect. But, you can limit the time you spend exposed to heat and potentially position yourself to keep your pod from being submerged in the water such as keeping your arm on the ledge of the hot tub. If you notice your blood sugar trending up later, this could be a sign that the heat impacted the insulin in your device.

Protect Your CGM from Direct Heat and Water

Unlike pumps, your CGM cannot be temporarily disconnected, but you can minimize their exposure to heat and water. High temperatures can impact CGM accuracy and submersion can lead to signal loss. Depending on where your CGM is placed, you might be able to keep it out of the water with careful positioning, such as dipping your feet in the hot tub if your sensor is on your abdomen. However, you may need to rely on fingersticks in the event of a signal loss or if your readings seem off.

Limit Time in High Heat

Extended exposure to the high temperatures of hot tubs and saunas can affect your diabetes devices and blood sugar levels. If your pump is disconnected, extended time in the heat can lead to higher blood sugar levels because you’re not receiving basal insulin. Consider setting a timer to remind yourself to reconnect to your pump if you disconnected or give your CGM a moment to recover and maintain accurate readings.

Use Overpatches to Secure Devices

Moisture and heat can weaken the adhesives that keep your insulin infusion set and CGM sensor in place. Overpatches provide extra security by covering the device and creating a barrier against moisture.

Summary

Whether you’re hitting the slopes for skiing or soaking in a hot tub, winter activities don’t have to mean compromising the safety and performance of your diabetes technology. By following these tips and taking the right precautions, you can protect your insulin pump and CGM throughout the winter season.