Coaches Crew Tips for Riding & Skiing with T1D

Charlie Rabe, longtime T1D, Level 2 PSIA Snowboard Instructor:
"Typically you have a ton of pockets on your gear. Knowing where your stuff is located can be critical. For that reason, I assign pockets for my diabetes supplies that stay constant through the season. Example: right ‘hand warmer’ jacket pocket is always my candy pocket, or low supplies pocket. Candy pocket just sounds more fun.  Also, all the sour patch kid sugar that spills out is confined to that one pocket and the rest stay pretty clean."

Emily George, T1D, skier and graphic designer:
" I reuse a M&M's Minis tube for my low supplies (any kind of candy in there really) for a winter coat. The key difference between this tube and a standard glucose tab tube is the cap is attached. Easy to pop open with a glove on and resealable. No fumbling with taking gloves off and opening wrappers. Also: keep a hand warmer near your pump."

Geoffrey Kruse, Insulin Pump software developer for Tandem Diabetes Care:
"Pumps should be worn as close to the body as possible (innermost layer) to prevent exposing it to extreme temperatures and wind chill. This includes tubing for tubes pumps. The insulin in exposed tubing can freeze pretty rapidly. I’ve seen pumpers who have the pump nice and warm next to their skin but the tubing is hanging out."

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