*This blog post was sponsored by Penguin Cool Case. All ideas are my own*
There is just something about spending time on the beach that just makes stress melt away. But when you’re planning a beach day with type 1 diabetes, you want to make sure you pack up all of your essentials so there isn’t anything that gets in the way of your relaxing getaway. To make sure you have as much fun in the sun as possible, here’s a closer look at what you should pack in your beach bag so you can have a relaxing and fun experience without your diabetes getting in the way.
Sunscreen and Sun Protection
Whenever you are planning to spend time in the sun, make sure you bring your sunscreen and sun protection. For people with type 1 diabetes, sunburn can cause stress hormones to be released which leads to increased blood sugar levels. Protecting your skin with sunscreen and sun protection can keep your skin (and blood sugars) safe!
Water & Electrolytes
Fun in the sun can turn into not-so-fun if the heat leaves you dehydrated. When the temperatures start climbing, high temperatures can lead to increased sweating and cause dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, it makes the concentration of glucose in your bloodstream higher (think more salt in a glass of water). If dehydration is left untreated, it can continue to worsen and potentially lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. The easiest way to keep dehydration at bay is simply by hydrating! Water can have a big impact on bringing your blood sugars back down and carrying electrolyte packets can also be helpful in replenishing your electrolytes to keep you extra hydrated.
Low Blood Sugar Snacks
Whether you are strolling the beach or swimming in the ocean, always be prepared by having low blood sugar snacks packed inside your bag. Juice boxes or glucose tablets can withstand the warmer temperatures. This will save you from cleaning up melted gummies or candies that may melt inside your bag.
Additional Diabetes Supplies
Between swimming and sweating your diabetes adhesives may have issues staying stuck. With how costly diabetes technology is, you may not want to risk losing your device to a rough tide. Using adhesive tapes like Not Just a Patch can help keep your CGMs and pump sites in place and give you a piece of mind during your beach adventures.
Proper Insulin Storage
Once your insulin is opened and taken out of the refrigerator, it needs to be kept between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If your insulin is left in direct sunlight, it can easily heat up and lose its effectiveness. While at the beach, you should keep your bag with your insulin out of direct sunlight by covering it with a towel or hidden in the shade of your lounge chair. It is also a good idea to use a device like the Penguin Cool Case. This device keeps your insulin at a stable temperature- not too hot nor too cold!
Planning ahead for a beach day with type 1 diabetes will allow you to spend more time in the sun and less time worrying about your diabetes. Looking to stock your beach bag with some of these essentials? Check out Penguin Cool Case today. Use discount code: AMANDA10 for 10% off your order.