This section doesn’t currently include any content. Add content to this section using the sidebar.

Image caption appears here

Add your deal, information or promotional text

This section doesn’t currently include any content. Add content to this section using the sidebar.

Image caption appears here

Add your deal, information or promotional text

This section doesn’t currently include any content. Add content to this section using the sidebar.

Image caption appears here

Add your deal, information or promotional text

Swimming with Type 1 Diabetes: How to Keep Your T1D Child Safe This Summer

How to Keep Your T1D Child Safe This Summer

It’s not all fun and games when it comes to lounging at the beach, diving in swimming pools, and relaxing in a hot tub when your child has type 1 diabetes. There are important factors to consider when your family wants to spend the day splashing around in the water. Keep reading for what your family needs to know to have a safe summer with type 1 diabetes.

 

Check if medical devices are waterproof

Before your child rushes off and jumps into the water, it is important to find out if their medical device, like an insulin pump, is waterproof so you can take proper precautions. Some insulin pumps may be water-resistant and can only tolerate a splash of water so you may need to disconnect their pump prior to getting in the water.

 

Other medical devices may be waterproof, but they still have limitations in the water. Be sure to look up what the manufacturer recommends in terms of how deep they can swim and how long they can stay in the water safely with their device. It is also important to consider that when their device is submerged underwater that you may not receive alerts or alarms due to a lost connection.

 

Regardless of which medical devices your child uses or doesn’t use, it is important to know what proper precautions you can take when swimming so your child can stay safe and their medical devices aren't damaged.

Keep insulin & diabetes supplies out of direct heat

Summertime temperatures can be scorching hot and while these temperatures are good for a tan, they can hinder the effectiveness of insulin. If your family is planning to have some fun in the sun, be prepared to keep insulin out of direct sunlight and inside an insulated storage container. Remember that insulin needs to be cool, not frozen. Placing insulin inside an insulated container is sufficient. No need to pack a whole freezer with you!

 

Monitor blood sugars closely while swimming

From lounging poolside to playing marco polo in a pool, swimming can be a great form of exercise. But like any type of exercise, it can impact your child’s blood sugars depending on how long they stay in the pool and how intense they are exercising. Make sure you are setting aside time to check in on their blood sugar levels and have snacks easily available just in case they are needed.

 

Use adhesive patches to keep devices stuck while swimming

Medical devices can usually stay on the skin through some pretty tough conditions, but when your child is jumping in and out of the pool, rolling around in the sand, and getting layers of sunscreen on, you may need to call in some reinforcements. Using an adhesive patch, like Skin Grip, can ensure that you get the full use out of their medical devices and that they can continue to play, disruption-free!

 

Hopefully you found this blog post helpful knowing that with just a little bit of preparation, your family can be a pro in and out of the water!

 

Need Skin Grip patches to keep your kids devices on this summer? Grab yours now!

Skin Grip patches

Search