
August 4, 2004
Exercise and Sports, Insulin Pumps
Question from Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA:
My son wears a Deltec pump and wishes to go on a 2.5 hour “tubing adventure” down a local river. Should he bolus and then take the pump off or leave it on in a pocket?
Answer:
This pump is as water resistant as any. Could he not wear the pump? Perhaps place in a plastic bag with just a tiny hole at the bottom for his tubing?
If you opt to forego the pump during his ride down the rapids, he could bolus as you have suggested. He also could forego pumping completely that day and take a shot of Lantus or even NPH dosing based on the input from your own diabetes team. If he does bring his pump, he needs to keep everything protected from heat and water and he should have a back up plan regardless, with insulin by injection.
DS