[at-l] Re: ATML Diabetic Hikers?

[Jim Harrison <longwlkr@bluenet.net>]

My mother was and my sister is diabetic. I know what they both did and that
was basicly what they pleased when they pleased. I would say go for it if you
want to thru hike. However if it was me I'd find a partner and train them
well to meet your needs if an emergency should arise. I have seen how quickly
a diabetic can "go south" when things go wrong.
LW

phatcher@biopop.com wrote:

> ATML--A place to discuss AT issues with friends in friendship!
>
> TO: atml@trailplace.com, at-l-digest@saffron.hack.net
>
> Hello all.
>
> I've a somewhat strange query.  Are any of you fellow hikers diabetics?
>  Have you ever heard of any diabetic hikers through-hiking?
>
> I've had insulin dependent diabetes (requiring heavy diet management and
> two shots of insulin a day) since I was 13.
>
> I've managed weekend and weeklong hikes, but even then there are many
> variables that must be considered:
>
> In addition to regular equipment, I carry all of my medical supplies (a
> blood glucose meter, reagent strips, needles, insulin, lancets, alcohol
> swabs, etc) and emergency medical supplies (Instant Glucose in the event
> of an insulin reaction, and Glucogon in the event of an unconscious
> situation).  This is at least two extra .lbs. (maybe more!).
>
> Diabetics should always avoid concentrated sugar in "normal" life
> (whatever that is); however, when on the trail, I tend to eat regular
> sugared foods to compensate for the increased amount of exercise.  I also
> reduce the overall amount of insulin I take to cover the sugar intake
> because the exercise is using up a lot of the sugar.  All of this is done
> to balance my blood sugar levels without getting too low (causing insulin
> reactions) or too high (causing diabetic complications over time).
>
> Another question:  How have any other diabetic hikers dealt with the
> general headache of hiking and regulating blood sugar levels and eating
> regularly?
>
> If any of you are interested or need more specific information about
> diabetes, feel free to ask.
>
>  -Yard Sale/Bargain
>  (Sorry to listowners for the cross-post)
>
> Patrick Hatcher
> Technical Writer/Web Developer
> Biological & Popular Culture, Inc.
> phatcher@biopop.com
>
> **********************************************************
> Contact ATML list administrator at admin@trailplace.com
> To withdraw from list, see http://trailplace.com/lists.htm
> To meet some of the other ATML list members, see
> http://trailplace.com/cgi-bin/htmlscript?bbs_atml.hts



* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List | For info http://www.hack.net/lists *

==============================================================================