Hiking

[Lilsis]

I'm lucky enough to live in the Cotswolds and before last year, I would be out walking the hills, most weekends. Last year I had 2 major injuries that put a stop to my hiking.. With my recent diagnosis of T2 there is no better time for me to get back out there. Any tip from other hikers with regards to feet?

 

[Leadinglights]

I'm lucky enough to live in the Cotswolds and before last year, I would be out walking the hills, most weekends. Last year I had 2 major injuries that put a stop to my hiking.. With my recent diagnosis of T2 there is no better time for me to get back out there. Any tip from other hikers with regards to feet?

Good boots and good socks, make sure you wear them in before embarking on long distances. Treat any blisters promptly though better not to get any in the first place.
Enjoy the walking but be careful if it is icy.

 

[jill-mc]

I live on Isle of Skye and enjoy hill walking. Ditto to what Leadinglights wrote above. Prevention is better than cure! I also wear waterproof socks if it is very wet. Changing the subject slightly, I find I have to eat little and often when out walking in the hills, or doing anything strenuous, (I am not on any medication) otherwise my bloodsugar readings go up not down as they would with gentle exercise.

 

[zuludog]

I started hiking & camping as a teenager in the 1960s, and progressed to do longer & harder walks & backpacking all over northern England & Scotland, summer & winter
Well now I've slowed down but I manage to get out & about

As you might expect, there have been changes over the years - out goes wool, tweed & canvas, and in comes fleece, breathable fabrics, polycotton & nylon.
Besides this, there is a blurring between clothing for hiking, sports, and casual, and the trend is to go lightweight.
One of the biggest changes has been in footwear - most boots are now synthetic, but more than that, people have realised that you don't necessarily need boots to go hiking at all

Like many people I now only wear boots on higher rocky hills, and in winter
For almost all my hiking now at lower level, on footpaths, bridle paths, towpaths & back lanes I wear trail shoes

I wore boots for decades, but I was persuaded to try trail shoes, and I was pleasantly surprised and impressed - they were much better for that kind of hiking - light, comfortable, yet with good grip both of my feet inside the shoe and the boot on the ground.
In fact the grip was possibly better than boots, as your ankle can flex more, so you become more agile (even me!) and you can place all the sole on the ground

Among my group of friends we have done long distance routes like the Pennine, Cleveland, West Highland and Great Glen Ways, Coast to Coast, and others; also two people I know have done Land's End to John o' Groats
And all in trail shoes ..... and three of this group have diabetes
During the summer before Lockdown I visited the Cotswolds, did Cleeve Hill and wandered around The Slaughters .... wore trail shoes .... no problems

So I thoroughly recommend trail shoes for easier hiking
You will of course get wet feet, but that's not as bad as you might think - there's no problem if your shoes fit well, and they dry out quickly; it's better to have comfortable lightweight wet feet than heavyweight wet feet so just splash on.
Don't be tempted to get waterproof trail shoes, eg with a Gore Tex lining as water will inevitably come over the top then it can't get out and you will be walking in wet feet for ages
With ordinary trail shoes, when the rain stops you can see them drying as you walk

There are loads of videos, but such is the way of YouTube that if you Search for 'trail shoes' you will get trail running shoes; you must Search for 'hiking shoes'
Although people do go hiking in trail running shoes and manage well enough

Care of diabetic feet is more or less the same as any other hiker's feet - shoes or boots must be comfortable, with no slipping or rubbing, and if you do get a hot spot or a blister, sort it asap

If you end your walk at a car or a hostel where you can change, fair enough, but if you're using public transport, for example, carry dry socks and a small towel as a change. Even if you then put your damp trail shoes back on it will not be completely soaked

The biggest problem will be getting a hypo
You can't walk through a hypo like a twinge or an ache, it will only get worse; you must stop and eat
So take plenty of food; you can probably relax a bit as you will be doing exercise
And check with your meter

I take wholemeal bread sandwiches, cheese scones, cereal bars, apples, and something sweet in case I need a quick fix - jelly babies, liquorice allsorts, M&Ms, or a packet of jelly
All that's for ordinary or everyday food. I have also made up some emergency food by wrapping & taping liquorice allsorts into a couple of plastic bags, to live semi permanently in my rucsac

Besides the usual stuff, in my first aid kit I have a spoon and a P51 can opener; this means that if I'm stuck somewhere I can get a can of beans or rice pudding or something.

If you need to eat, stop and eat. Most people are understanding, but if some of your companions are reluctant, well, tough; explain to them politely and firmly what's going on

OK, apologies for rambling(!) but I hope you can follow it, and that it's useful

 

[Felinia]

This comment is related to general footcare, not just hiking. I was advised to keep my feet clean and dry, and every evening to apply a cream. I use E45 cream which my nurse recommended. I also see a podiatrist every 3 months to get my feet checked out, a pedicure, dry skin/corns treated and a foot massage.

 

[Spathiphyllum]

Good boots and good socks, make sure you wear them in before embarking on long distances. Treat any blisters promptly though better not to get any in the first place.
Enjoy the walking but be careful if it is icy.

Absolutely; good boots and good socks are important for anyone doing walking/hiking, but above all for us diabetics.

For boots, definitely go to a good store that will do a proper boot-fitting session with you. The best boots in the world will be harmful if they don't fit you properly.

Afraid I disagree with Zuludog about trail shoes. Boots support the ankle, and boots make it far less likely that your feet will get wet!

Also, boots make it much less likely you will get friction (and therefore possibly damage) on your foot. With a boot, you can-- and should-- get it long enough that, even when walking downhill, your toes are never rubbing the front. This is possible with a boot because the shaft, the bit coming up your ankle, stops your foot from sliding any further forward.

For socks: The best socks I've found are Smartwool. Highly breathable, great cushioning, durable and soft-- not at all itchy, even though I'm eczema-prone. Expensive, but worth it.

Finally, Felinia's right to remind us about general footcare! On my diabetes course, the podiatrist came in and emphasised keeping feet clean and dry and checking them every day ... Do I? Um, er ... Ok, off to check my feet! ; ) But definitely even more important after a long walk-- immediately after and the morning after. Happy yomping!

 

[zuludog]

Yes @Felinia thanks for the reminder

My chiropodist also recommended regular use of cream on my feet, but said that ordinary moisturising cream was OK, or E45, or various foot creams & balms
So I asked my wife & daughter; they had a clear out and gave me enough moisturising cream to float a battleship

She also said that as we get older, say after about 50, our feet expand
As we know, the sizes on footwear is just a guide and you go by the fit anyway
For a long time I took about a 10/44 but now I take an 11/45 or 46
For this reason you shouldn't buy footwear Online, go to a proper shop

If you're in a hostel or similar, don't feel embarrassed about sorting your feet - they're you're feet so look after them
If it's good enough for The Parachute Regiment it's good enough for you

If you want to know more about lightweight and ultralight hiking, read a book by Ray Jardine, in which he debunks the need for traditional heavy hiking & mountaineering gear for ordinary hiking
There are two editions of the book, almost identical, but confusingly he has given them different titles -

1st edition = Beyond Backpacking
2nd edition = Trail Life

They are worth reading, but as some of the content is only relevant to the USA it's not really worth paying the full price of about £25, so order it from your library, or perhaps get a Used copy from Amazon for about £6

EDIT - yes, I recommend Smartwool socks
Besides various wool socks I have also used fleece and fibre pile socks, but they're not as common

Let's not get involved in a discussion about boots v shoes
I was suspicious and reluctant to try trail shoes, but I'm glad I did, and as you've probably gathered I am something of a convert
I think much of the hesitancy is because for so long it has been ingrained into us that " you MUST wear boots to go hiking" that anything else is a heresy
What I will say is that in a couple of months, when the weather is warmer & drier, try some trail shoes and see how you get on.
I am a member of The Backpackers Club, and it is noticeable that most people have changed to shoes and had no problems, even those with diabetes

Can I make it clear that I am only suggesting trail shoes for fairly easy low level hiking such as long distance trails, though I would include the Cotswolds, Derbyshire Dales, Staffordshire Moorlands, and similar low moors & heaths among that
For steep & rocky ground such as The Lake District & The Scottish Highlands, and in the winter, I would still wear boots

Here's some inspiration - a retired couple I know wanted to do The Pennine Way, so they set off from their house and walked all the way to Kirk Yetholm, using trail shoes -- They live in Southampton

 

[helli]

As someone who has turned their ankle and sprained it badly when wearing shoes, I aways wear boots when hiking on uneven ground.
And I guess that "uneven ground" part may be relevant here. Shoes may be more sticky but I would rather my weakened ankle has the support needed when traipsing over boulders when it may turn again.
I tried a stick (or two) for a couple of years to assist with my balance but ultimately, realised flailing my arms around for balance and having my hands free to catch me when I fall was preferable to working out what to do with the sticks when I clambered up a scree slope or anywhere that I needed to hold on.
I also focus on core strength when at the gym and, as a rock climber, it is natural to use my hands on steep inclines.

Interesting to read that our feet grow after the age of 50. Thankfully, I have not experienced that yet. I say "thankfully" because, with small feet, I can buy VAT-free children's shoes and socks. I guess the choice will be greater when I finally grow up.

The impact of the hiking on my blood sugars is "it depends". If I am uncomfortable (e.g. walking in the rain - i hate being wet, especially wet feet) or doing something especially strenuous like walking up a steep hill or along a narrow ridge, my levels rise. Walking along the flat, downhill or slight incline on a pleasant day, my levels will go down.

 

[zuludog]

@helli

How many climbers does it take to change a light bulb?

Seventeen - one to change the bulb, one to belay him, and fifteen to argue about the grade

 

[Lilsis]

I started hiking & camping as a teenager in the 1960s, and progressed to do longer & harder walks & backpacking all over northern England & Scotland, summer & winter
Well now I've slowed down but I manage to get out & about

As you might expect, there have been changes over the years - out goes wool, tweed & canvas, and in comes fleece, breathable fabrics, polycotton & nylon.
Besides this, there is a blurring between clothing for hiking, sports, and casual, and the trend is to go lightweight.
One of the biggest changes has been in footwear - most boots are now synthetic, but more than that, people have realised that you don't necessarily need boots to go hiking at all

Like many people I now only wear boots on higher rocky hills, and in winter
For almost all my hiking now at lower level, on footpaths, bridle paths, towpaths & back lanes I wear trail shoes

I wore boots for decades, but I was persuaded to try trail shoes, and I was pleasantly surprised and impressed - they were much better for that kind of hiking - light, comfortable, yet with good grip both of my feet inside the shoe and the boot on the ground.
In fact the grip was possibly better than boots, as your ankle can flex more, so you become more agile (even me!) and you can place all the sole on the ground

Among my group of friends we have done long distance routes like the Pennine, Cleveland, West Highland and Great Glen Ways, Coast to Coast, and others; also two people I know have done Land's End to John o' Groats
And all in trail shoes ..... and three of this group have diabetes
During the summer before Lockdown I visited the Cotswolds, did Cleeve Hill and wandered around The Slaughters .... wore trail shoes .... no problems

So I thoroughly recommend trail shoes for easier hiking
You will of course get wet feet, but that's not as bad as you might think - there's no problem if your shoes fit well, and they dry out quickly; it's better to have comfortable lightweight wet feet than heavyweight wet feet so just splash on.
Don't be tempted to get waterproof trail shoes, eg with a Gore Tex lining as water will inevitably come over the top then it can't get out and you will be walking in wet feet for ages
With ordinary trail shoes, when the rain stops you can see them drying as you walk

There are loads of videos, but such is the way of YouTube that if you Search for 'trail shoes' you will get trail running shoes; you must Search for 'hiking shoes'
Although people do go hiking in trail running shoes and manage well enough

Care of diabetic feet is more or less the same as any other hiker's feet - shoes or boots must be comfortable, with no slipping or rubbing, and if you do get a hot spot or a blister, sort it asap

If you end your walk at a car or a hostel where you can change, fair enough, but if you're using public transport, for example, carry dry socks and a small towel as a change. Even if you then put your damp trail shoes back on it will not be completely soaked

The biggest problem will be getting a hypo
You can't walk through a hypo like a twinge or an ache, it will only get worse; you must stop and eat
So take plenty of food; you can probably relax a bit as you will be doing exercise
And check with your meter

I take wholemeal bread sandwiches, cheese scones, cereal bars, apples, and something sweet in case I need a quick fix - jelly babies, liquorice allsorts, M&Ms, or a packet of jelly
All that's for ordinary or everyday food. I have also made up some emergency food by wrapping & taping liquorice allsorts into a couple of plastic bags, to live semi permanently in my rucsac

Besides the usual stuff, in my first aid kit I have a spoon and a P51 can opener; this means that if I'm stuck somewhere I can get a can of beans or rice pudding or something.

If you need to eat, stop and eat. Most people are understanding, but if some of your companions are reluctant, well, tough; explain to them politely and firmly what's going on

OK, apologies for rambling(!) but I hope you can follow it, and that it's useful

Thank you for all your info.. I agree wearing trail shoes rather than boots is much more comfortable.. Through trail and error, I've settled on Altra Lonepeaks, nice and wide for my Hobbit like feet
I must go over and walk Cleeve Hill, it isn't to far from me so no excuse.

 

[Lilsis]

As someone who has turned their ankle and sprained it badly when wearing shoes, I aways wear boots when hiking on uneven ground.
And I guess that "uneven ground" part may be relevant here. Shoes may be more sticky but I would rather my weakened ankle has the support needed when traipsing over boulders when it may turn again.
I tried a stick (or two) for a couple of years to assist with my balance but ultimately, realised flailing my arms around for balance and having my hands free to catch me when I fall was preferable to working out what to do with the sticks when I clambered up a scree slope or anywhere that I needed to hold on.
I also focus on core strength when at the gym and, as a rock climber, it is natural to use my hands on steep inclines.

Interesting to read that our feet grow after the age of 50. Thankfully, I have not experienced that yet. I say "thankfully" because, with small feet, I can buy VAT-free children's shoes and socks. I guess the choice will be greater when I finally grow up.

The impact of the hiking on my blood sugars is "it depends". If I am uncomfortable (e.g. walking in the rain - i hate being wet, especially wet feet) or doing something especially strenuous like walking up a steep hill or along a narrow ridge, my levels rise. Walking along the flat, downhill or slight incline on a pleasant day, my levels will go down.

Interesting what you say about. I've had to go up a size in the last few years. I'm 60.. I do wear boots on challenging ground but definitely favour, trail shoes and my knees love my polls but I understand what you say about having your hands free. I am an expert at face planting

 

[Drummer]

When walking any distance these days I use walking poles - it makes a huge difference to the distance I can go and the effects next day. Even on the pavements around here, they have saved me from falling numerous times.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I live in open toed walking sandals from March to November regardless.
Synthetic uppers, cushioned multi layer soles.
I have a variety of different brands and construction.
Great for most things, and I do beach walking as well, so they dry out amazingly quickly.
(no socks)
I have tried closed toe ones on occasions, ok, but odd stones tend to get trapped in.

 

[Lilsis]

This is a REALLY stupid question.. I'm new to all this ... A few times when out walking, I've suddenly gotten VERY lightheaded and needed to sit down.. Drinking electrolytes doesn't help but eating something does.. Do you think that might be a hypo?

 

[bulkbiker]

This is a REALLY stupid question.. I'm new to all this ... A few times when out walking, I've suddenly gotten VERY lightheaded and needed to sit down.. Drinking electrolytes doesn't help but eating something does.. Do you think that might be a hypo?

Taking any medication for T2?
Are you testing your blood glucose levels regularly and if so what levels are you seeing when light headed?

 

[Lilsis]

Taking any medication for T2?
Are you testing your blood glucose levels regularly and if so what levels are you seeing when light headed?

No, no medication.. I was told I didn't need to test but could if I wanted to? I've kept my numbers down to 6.4 or lower all week.
What I described, happened when I was training for an ultra challenge back in 2021, which I've just started doing again. I'm guessing taking my meter with me would be the wise thing to do?

 

[helli]

@Lilsis i wonder if you are experiencing a false hypo.
Our bodies are very good at adapting to different normals. If our levels have been high for some time, “normal” levels feel low so we experience hypo symptoms at non-hypo levels. These are not pleasant but are not particularly dangerous. We just need to train our bodies what is the “new normal”.
As you say, keeping your meter with you when you go out so you can test next time you feel light headed would be useful.

And, it is definitely NOT a silly question. 🙂

 

[Deleted member 21371]

It can just be normal.
Just sit down and eat something if that works.

 

[bulkbiker]

No, no medication.. I was told I didn't need to test but could if I wanted to? I've kept my numbers down to 6.4 or lower all week.
What I described, happened when I was training for an ultra challenge back in 2021, which I've just started doing again. I'm guessing taking my meter with me would be the wise thing to do?

It wouldn't be a bad idea to see if you are having a false hypo when your blood sugar levels are going back to normal having been higher previously.
If you are taking no medication then a true hypo is highly unlikely.

 

[Lilsis]

Thank you everyone. It's a learning curve