Diabetes Management
Diabetes Management
Camping and Hiking with Diabetes: What to Expect & What to Pack
Disclaimer: All content and information in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. For the latest information, please visit the manufacturer’s website. Last updated on 6/25/25. Heading out for a weekend camping trip or a day hike? You probably know how to pack your backpack for the outdoors– but if you have diabetes, there’s a whole list of essential diabetes supplies you don’t want to forget. Managing diabetes while hiking or camping means thinking ahead about what diabetes supplies you might need, packing enough fast-acting glucose for lows, and making sure your diabetes devices stay powered and protected. Short Hikes with Diabetes What to Expect on Short Hikes with Diabetes Short hikes (typically under 2-3 miles) can feel low-key, but even an easy stroll through the woods can throw your blood sugar for a loop. Mild to moderate activity can increase insulin sensitivity, meaning you may see drops in glucose during or after the hike– especially if you’re in active insulin territory. You may expect to pause more often for finger sticks or CGM checks. You might notice that adrenaline from uneven terrain or a surprise animal sighting can spike your blood sugar temporarily especially as you increase in altitude. Be prepared for variable temperatures, low blood sugars and staying hydrated. What to Pack for Short Hikes with Diabetes Day pack or fanny pack Fast-acting glucose (glucose tabs, honey, gels or juice boxes) Extra snacks with carbs and protein (granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter crackers) Glucagon CGM receiver or display device (if applicable) Phone (fully charged) Insulin dosing supplies (insulin pump, insulin pen, pen tips, vials and syringes) Backup insulin pump supplies (extra infusion sets, reservoirs/cartridges, syringes) Adhesive tape or overpatches Frio pouch or small cooler pack for insulin Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer Water bottle or hydration pouch Electrolyte replacements Sun protection (hat, SPF) Medical ID Note with name, medical history, emergency contact and current medications Long Treks with Diabetes What to Expect on Long Treks with Diabetes Long-distance hikes (5+ miles or multi-hour treks) bring higher stakes for people with diabetes. You’re likely burning more energy which means greater variability in your insulin needs. Altitude, duration, and physical exertion can all affect blood sugars unpredictability. Expect more sweat, more snacks and more frequent monitoring. Plan for situations where you might lose signal or be far from help. What to Pack on Long Treks with Diabetes Hiking backpack Fast-acting glucose (glucose tabs, gels or juice boxes) Extra snacks with carbs and protein (granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter crackers) Glucagon CGM receiver or display device (if applicable) Spare CGM sensors Blood glucose meter & test strips Phone (fully charged) & portable battery pack Insulin dosing supplies (insulin pump, insulin pen, pen tips, vials and syringes) Backup insulin pump supplies (extra infusion sets, reservoirs/cartridges, syringes) Backup insulin delivery method (short and long-acting insulin) Adhesive tape or overpatches Frio pouch or small cooler pack for insulin Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer Water bottle or hydration pouch Water purification method Electrolyte replacements Sun protection (hat, SPF) Medical ID Note with name, medical history, emergency contact and current medications Day Camp with Diabetes What to Expect at Day Camp with Diabetes Whether it’s a kids camp or an outdoor community event, day camps involve group activities, games and scheduled meals/snacks. Expect excitement, movement and possibly unfamiliar foods. If it’s a diabetes-specific camp, staff may assist with diabetes management; otherwise, you or your child will need a solid plan for monitoring blood sugars, treating lows and dosing for meals/snacks. What to Pack for Day Camp with Diabetes Day pack or fanny pack Fast-acting glucose (glucose tabs, honey, gels or juice boxes) Extra snacks with carbs and protein (granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter crackers) Pre-packed lunch with known carb counts Glucagon CGM receiver or display device (if applicable) Phone (fully charged) Insulin dosing supplies (insulin pump, insulin pen, pen tips, vials and syringes) Backup insulin pump supplies Glucose meter and test strips Adhesive tape or overpatches Frio pouch or small cooler pack for insulin Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer Reusable water bottle Electrolyte replacements Sun protection (hat, SPF) Medical ID Note with name, medical history, emergency contact and current medications Overnight Camping with Diabetes What to Expect at Overnight Camp with Diabetes Sleep away camp to family weekends in the woods, overnight trips require more planning and preparation. Expect more variability with sleep, temperature (which can affect insulin storage) and activity levels. If your diabetes device relies on signal or charging, plan for either low-tech backups or ways to stay connected. What to Pack for Overnight Camp with Diabetes Hiking backpack Fast-acting glucose (glucose tabs, gels or juice boxes) Extra snacks with carbs and protein (granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter crackers) Glucagon CGM receiver or display device (if applicable) Spare CGM sensors Blood glucose meter & test strips Phone (fully charged) & portable charger, power back or solar charger Insulin dosing supplies (insulin pump, insulin pen, pen tips, vials and syringes) Backup insulin pump supplies (extra infusion sets, reservoirs/cartridges, syringes) Backup insulin pump supplies Backup insulin delivery method (short and long-acting insulin) Adhesive tape or overpatches Frio pouch or small cooler pack for insulin Alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer Water bottle or hydration pouch Water purification method Electrolyte replacements Sun protection (hat, SPF) Flashlight and headlamp Medical ID Note with name, medical history, emergency contact and current medications Final Considerations for Hiking & Camping with Diabetes Consult Your Healthcare Team Before camping or hiking with diabetes, check in with your healthcare provider. They can help you adjust your insulin doses for physical activity, review your glucose targets and write extra prescriptions for extra diabetes supplies. Be Cautious of Weather Conditions In hot weather, insulin must stay cool– Frio cooling packs are a great option because they only require water to activate and don’t need refrigeration. Be aware that some low snacks can melt or spoil in the heat so choose options that are heat-stable or store them in your insulated pouch. In cold weather, insulin and low snacks can freeze making them ineffective. Cold temperatures can drain batteries faster like insulin pumps, CGMs and glucose meters. Keep all supplies close to your body for warmth or use insulated pouches to protect them. Plan for Limited Access to Electricity Electricity isn’t always a given on the trail or at a campsite– and for people relying on diabetes devices that matters. Bring fully charged backup battery packs or solar chargers to keep your devices powered and always carry a backup method like a meter and test strips or insulin pens just in case Ask the Diabetes Community No one gets it like someone who’s been there. Ask other people in the diabetes community in Facebook groups, Reddit threads or a quick DM from someone you follow about what worked (or didn’t) on their outdoor adventures. From favorite snacks to clever supply storage tips, the diabetes community is full of helpful information.
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