Effects on BG at higher elevations
By drbif - Posted on July 16th, 2008
Tagged: Hiking
I'm new to the site.I will be hiking in Medicine Bow mountains soon with my 14yr old daughter who has Type 1. She is use to exercise-soccer,mountain biking,track and field and mini triathlons but I don't know how higher altitudes will effect her sugars. We live in Michigan(800ft elev) and will be hiking at 7000-9000ft elev. She is on an insulin pump and has a Dexcom Continuous monitor (recommend it to any one doing sports with diabetes for tracking low and highs). Any advice or things I need to watch for? Thanks for any and all input.
Hello drbif,
Welcome to the site. Based on the use of her pump and CGMS, I'm already guessing that your daughter (and you) are pretty well on top of her bg management. I wouldn't anticipate too much in the way of insulin adjustments at those elevations. I would however expect some effects in the way of (possible) headaches, and generally feeling more wiped out than you might think. But if you go easy the first 2 days, the effects should be negligible and virtually disappear.
As always, carry more fast carbs than you deem necessary, back-up insulin sources (syringes & bottle) and plenty of strips. Consider a spare meter too.
Have fun, enjoy the Medicine Bow Range and please give us an update after the trip.
Jeff