It’s spring! As the weather gets warmer, an increase in activity or insulin sensitivity might affect your blood sugar management. Here are some insulin pump tips:
- Don’t forget to double check that you have changed the time on your devices for Daylight Savings!
- Make adjustments to your pump settings or insulin doses if you are more active or if your insulin is working better in the warmer weather. Not sure how to do this? Ask your CDE or attend an LMC Diabetes Education specialty workshop.
- Consider your infusion set site and tubing:
- Consider the type of activity – swinging motions from baseball, golf, or tennis could dislodge an infusion set on the stomach
- Keep in mind if you are using your arms or legs for your infusion sets, your insulin may be absorbed much more quickly after those areas of the body are exercised
- Ensure that tubing isn’t exposure or placed in a way that it might snag. You may have to secure the site with additional tape.
- Ensure your infusion site can stick properly, as sweating from activity can loosen the attachment. Try skin-tac or IV 3000 adhesive tape prep to help with this.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels more often to look for patterns.
- Ask for help if you are looking to start a new activity program to make sure it is safe for you.
- Reach out to your health care provider if needed – they are always there to support you.
- Make sure you have the right equipment!
- Properly fitting shoes and socks
- Water bottle
- Low blood sugar supplies
- Protect your insulin from overheating and becoming ineffective with on-the-go storage options such as Frio or BreezyPack
