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Sailing with diabetes

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Jennyninja

Jennyninja

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Are there any people out there who sail with T1? I've been diagnosed with T1 for nearly 2 years now on MDIs and Libre sensor. I am lucky enough to be retired and spend my summers sailing in our sailboat. Generally I'm managing with some ups and downs with periods of less activity. I'm a keen runner when I can set foot on land but have periods when I can't get to land to run as much as I would like to, and the inevitable adrenaline rushes you get with sailing. Whether it's the weather or just being with a stressed out husband coming into port! I juggle with my insulin- basal and rapid as best as I can but would love to know if there is anyone out there doing similar.
 
I have been sailing a number of times since my diabetes although I am not a frequent sailor.
Most of the time the diabetes has been no problem.
However, I did discover that eating a portion of chips before setting off in a Force 8 gale was not a great idea. The chips did not stay down but the insulin did and it was a challenge to keep my BG up when my stomach wasn't keen on any food.
Apart from that, sailing with diabetes has been ... plain sailing (?)
 
helli said:
I have been sailing a number of times since my diabetes although I am not a frequent sailor.
Most of the time the diabetes has been no problem.
However, I did discover that eating a portion of chips before setting off in a Force 8 gale was not a great idea. The chips did not stay down but the insulin did and it was a challenge to keep my BG up when my stomach wasn't keen on any food.
Apart from that, sailing with diabetes has been ... plain sailing (?)
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@helli I can imagine that was 'interesting ' For that reason I try to keep my carbs/insulin low. Then I find I want to eat everything in sight when we arrive!
 
I spent a lot of time around dinghy sailing as a child, and occasional trips on something slightly bigger. The closest I’ve come recently is sea kayaking, where an aquapac came in handy for my pump.
 
Do you have a dinghy with oars? I used to find that a useful way to get some exercise/burn off some energy when I was younger and spent reasonable lengths of time with my parents on their boat. The less efficient the dinghy the better, until you realise you're the wrong side of the bay with both the tide and wind against you - take some snacks! 😉
 
SimonP said:
Do you have a dinghy with oars? I used to find that a useful way to get some exercise/burn off some energy when I was younger and spent reasonable lengths of time with my parents on their boat. The less efficient the dinghy the better, until you realise you're the wrong side of the bay with both the tide and wind against you - take some snacks! 😉
Click to expand...
Great idea! We have an outbound so I could row around in circles until my BG goes down then we can point it in the right direction afterwards. Genius!
 
The other thing I might think of doing now, as wet suits are quite cheap and readily available with the rise in "wild swimming", is go for a swim - it depends where you are/go as to the attractiveness of the water (it's always been too cold for me though, never having owned a wetsuit) and as I'm sure you're aware you'd need to pick your location to avoid other motor traffic, people pumping out, etc. Be careful though, you may be issued with a mask, scraper and some rope cutters 😉
 
SimonP said:
The other thing I might think of doing now, as wet suits are quite cheap and readily available with the rise in "wild swimming", is go for a swim - it depends where you are/go as to the attractiveness of the water (it's always been too cold for me though, never having owned a wetsuit) and as I'm sure you're aware you'd need to pick your location to avoid other motor traffic, people pumping out, etc. Be careful though, you may be issued with a mask, scraper and some rope cutters 😉
Click to expand...
Simon, your comments tell me that you are a seasoned sailor!! Another great idea. It's when we're at anchor I get frustrated with not getting ashore for a run so as long as the conditions are good, as you say this is another way of getting aerobic exercise. Thanks!
 
Hi,
I was diagnosed type 2 yesterday and leave today for Lagos, PT, to continue to Croatia. I crossed from Antigua about 4 weeks ago. My own boat is in Grenada. I do not smoke or drink alcohol but until today stuffed myself with sweet stuff. Worried about how to eat with healthy crew members. I think cut out sweets and processed foods. I will try low carb where poss. I have no symptoms but the blood test did it!
 
YachtieTrev said:
Exercise is walking ashore but I think sailing continously is exercising’!
Click to expand...

Passage making can be extremely sedentary with autohelm and so on.

Personally, I have found exercise to be beneficial in all manner of ways, health wise, but for blood glucose control, for me, it was an add-on. For me, the core element was and is what I eat and drink.
As somebody once said, you can't outrun a poor diet.
 
I’m assuming you all have a radio be it VHF Marine or HF or a Satellite phone? In the event of an emergency? - I’m no sailor but I do carry a dual band amateur radio with me as an extra method of communication if needed.
 
Thank you all for your contributions. Makes me a lot happier. I leave Lagos on Tuesday for Gibraltar but day cruising so as to look out for Orcas. Then eventually to Croatia. I have my own boat to bring to Europe within next 2 years. Also one trip from Nova Scotia to Scotland possibly. If any of you are interested let me know but there can be no reason to get back …. Best retired !
 
AndBreathe said:
Passage making can be extremely sedentary with autohelm and so on.

Personally, I have found exercise to be beneficial in all manner of ways, health wise, but for blood glucose control, for me, it was an add-on. For me, the core element was and is what I eat and drink.
As somebody once said, you can't outrun a poor diet.
Click to expand...
I agree and insulin ratios need to change for me too!
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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