Swimming with an Insulin Pump: A Comprehensive Guide for Diabetics

Insulin pumps provide a variety of conveniences for diabetics. Pumps eliminate the need for daily injections, help lower A1C levels and make it simple to take insulin anywhere. However, insulin pumps sometimes pose a problem, especially when it comes to the water. By monitoring your blood sugar and learning how your pump functions, you will be able to swim without any trouble at all.

Things You'll Need

• Insulin pump
• Blood glucose monitor system

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Instructions

Swimming with a pump

• 1

  Check your blood sugar prior to swimming to make sure it is within the normal range of 80 to 120 mg/dL. If your glucose level is out of the range, grab a snack if you're low or take insulin if your sugars are running high. Wait about a half an hour to re-test yourself until your blood sugar is normal.

• 2

  Pinch the plastic ends of the circular shaped piece at the end of your pump tubing at your injection site. Rotate the piece counterclockwise while pinching the ends, this will remove the tubing from the insertion spot. Put your pump on suspend mode once you've removed the tubing.

• 3

  Leave the cannula and the surrounding adhesive on your skin. Set your pump aside, making sure it doesn't get wet. Hop in the water and enjoy your swim. Check your blood sugar periodically if you're in the water for more than an hour or so, and take an insulin correction as soon as you get out of the water, if need be. Reattach your pump once you are dry and done swimming.