treating lows while backpacking

[paramatta]

In a month or so I am going to go on a week-long backpacking trip in the mountains. I have to carry all my supplies for diabetes on my back. Obviously, saving weight is a major issue, so I was wondering what would be the lightest method of carrying a substantial amount of low blood sugar treatment. I was thinking about Kool Aid powder or something that I could mix with water. I have also considered energy gels or cubes but they seem pretty heavy. What do you think woul be the best and lightest way?

Thanks

[jimhuck]

Powder could get messy, I would think. Don't you think dextrose tablets would be adequate? They come in all shapes and sizes and they're the most effective method of raising BG quickly. You can get the little 1 gram Dex4 glucose tablets and put them in a baggie.

Obviously, you'll also need food to maintain BG. Beef jerkey and trail mix (nuts, raisins, maybe even M&Ms) would a good choice for that. Fats, protein, and moderate amounts of complex carbs are good for long term exercise.

[Gordonm]

I use the Gu packs on my rides. They provide the needed glucose and will bring your BS up also. If you are going to be going for hours you will need more than just dextrose tablets. I carry 2 packs on my bike at all times and on long rides take another two plus a water bottle full of carb drink. I can consume an extra 100Gs of carbs without bolusing or elevating my BS. You will be burning calories so be prepaired.

[DeusXM]

Glucose tablets are a good idea, but a logical approach means you'll want stuff that'll stave off hypos in the first place. You'll need to seriously review your insulin requirements after the first day and it's a good idea to have Tracker bars and the like as a complex carb with high GI hit to keep you on the level. Don't bother putting in stuff like jerky if you're worried about maintaining BG levels. A trek like this is not a time to be carefully weighing out your carbs and proteins and fats. You don't have time or space to waste on the finer points of using proteins and fats. You need carbs, plain and simple. If you are backpacking for a week you are not going to be in danger of high bgs and even if you are, these are far less of a problem than lows.

You didn't give any info as to the specific nature of the trek but make sure you're going with at least one other person who knows you have diabetes and that you have regularly scheduled in food breaks for every four hours or so.

[morrisma]

I find a little variety goes a long way.

Granola bars and clif bars are great and (to my mind) worth the weight.
Mike

[cwathne]

+ 1 to clif bars and GU

clif bars are very light and have something like 45-50 grams of complex carbs that keep you from dropping for a long time

GU will raise your blood sugar quickly if you need it

[morrisma]

Just wanted to add: I did a 5 day hike in Alaska and rarely went low even under the toughest conditions. It seemed that the very rigorous exercise had a significant effect in leveling my sugars. I ate far fewer bars than I brought.
Mike

[paramatta]

thanks for the help everyone! FYI, I'm going to use trail mix as a way to maintain my blood sugar. So, what i'm really looking for is a light, fast-acting method of treating lows. Thanks again for the help!

[TommyC1]

I use Canada mints.
Glucose Tablets would work as well. Both are fast acting and light.
I'd avoid gu or any other gel or liquid simply for the weight factor.

Tommy

[SammyIamToday]

Another vote for Clif bars. Seem to work well for me. Usually also pack some Skittles or something of that nature for quick boost. Granted haven't had it that long, but I do a lot of hiking in the Gorge. I also use bananas. They seem to work for a while for me, but they wouldn't be good to pack for a week.

Most of the dehydrated hiking food is pretty high in carbs and stuff too, so that might help you as well. If you have a hiking stove and the like.