Camping?

[Captainp4]

Hello everyone

I just joined last night and have been reading around and searching, some great information to be had on this site!

I was wondering if anyone here camps and has any advice for what to do when doing so. I have a '78 bronco that is used as an offroading truck and some of the offroad parks have "primitive camping" and me and a few friends were thinking of staying one or two nights. Do I just keep the insulin in a cooler with ice? Is there anything else I have to worry about? I'd probably have to back off the lantus shot a little bit due to increased activity to avoid lows, but other than that?

thanks,
Paul

[JediSurfer]

I would see if you can get your hand on a Frio cooler bag. I have been using this for a while now. Very good. No cooling required and just needs water to reprime.
As long as your insulin isn't in direct contact with the ice it should be ok. Be careful it doesn't get too cold.
I love camping but haven't been out for a while now. I do lower my Lantus slighty when expecting plenty of activity.

Rich

[Cyborg]

You might want to bring some glucose tabs...

[notme]

Frio packs are great, but they do get a bit heavy when they are swelled with water. If you are camping in a HOT climate, then you would probably want a cooler. If your not, then your insulin should be fine in a protective case without a cooler. I would lower my lantus and bolus shots for meals. Carry starbursts or glucose tabs for emergency.

[Captainp4]

I always have glucose tablets on me wherever I go. Never heard of a frio cooler though.

thanks for the replies :)

[notme]

I took one of these to Africa. Great way to keep insulin cool for several days with nothing but water.

Medicool - FRIO - Keeps insulin bottles or pens cool without refrigeration (http://medicool.com/diabetes/diabetes_travel_frio)

[Just_Plain_John]

I used a Frio wet-pack for my insulin last year camping in West Virginia at 3600 ft elevation. I did have to reduce my basal (Lantus) dosage around camp due to the increased exertion at that altitude. I really didn't feel like I was all that active (light walking around camp, etc), but I kept bumping 65-70 and had to drop my basal about 25%.

Overall it was a HUGE confidence builder for me. I would recommend to seriously over-pack and cover all possible emergency situations the first time out there. You can go the primitive route later on, keep it conservative the first time out.

Have fun, and best of luck - you'll be glad you went, I sure was !