The amount of equipment you need varies depending on where you are planning to camp, the time of year, how far you have to carry the gear and how long you intend to stay there. Again, your national mountaineering council can advise you.

You will need your diabetes travel pack and plenty of food. Do your calculations properly beforehand, and as with all expeditions, take twice as much food as you expect to eat because some may get spoiled, or you may get stuck somewhere. Make sure that you have a good supply of clean water. Remember that camp cooking takes longer than home cooking and it is difficult to predict when a meal will be ready. Either have a cold first course, for example, bread and margarine, or do not take your insulin until your food is ready to eat.

Diabetic campers should not sleep alone. You will probably be combining camping with an active vacation and will therefore be at risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia. The group leader should check all the tents after supper to make sure that everyone has eaten and is all right.

Always bear these points in mind:

•   People with diabetes can enjoy an OB mountain course without their diabetes getting in their way and without losing control of their blood glucose levels.

•   If you want to try new outdoor activities, learn from properly qualified instructors.

•   When planning new activities assume that the worst will happen and then plan how to prevent it or cope with it if it happens (it very rarely does).

•   Always obey safety rules absolutely.

•   Use the right equipment, properly maintained, and the right clothing.

•   Seek expert local advice.

•   Make certain that you will not go hypoglycemic. Always carry glucose on your person where it cannot get lost and can be reached with one hand in any position. Reduce your insulin or pills and increase your food. Always carry twice the amount of food you think you will need as well as your travel pack.

Do not do it alone.

Weigh the benefits and pleasures of a planned activity against the risks.

Have fun!

*106/102/5*

DIABETES