Any Type 1 Diabetic Climbers out there?

I am a T1D and was just wondering if there are any T1Ds out there that climb? where are you at? what do you do to prepare for your climbs? have you trained your climbing partners what to do if you have a hypoglycemic reaction?

I have been type 1 diabetic for 15 years (28 years old). I exercise frequently, and have learned how much energy it takes to complete varying degrees of exercise. I always carry glucose tablets and gel packets (very low weight, space savers). I am very sensitive to what my body is telling me, i.e. low or high blood sugar. Also, on days of high activity I will cut down my baseline insulin by 1/3 to 1/2. This helps me not have to eat all day long. Definetly have your partners learn how to treat a hypoglycemic event. Knock on wood, I have never had to go the ER or use a glucagon kit, but like I said, be very sensitive to small changes in your mood, behavior, strength, etc. Foods that pack small that pack a bang are a plus for days on a wall: dates, raisins, Clif and Odwalla bars. I have never been overnight on a wall, but am planning on doing so in the future. I will cut my insulin drastically to compensate. Sometimes, if I am going to be going hard for a few days, I will cut insulin regime a day or two before to get ready. Well, hope this helps. Diabetes is no reason to limit your climbing, just have to properly prepare.

Hey Wilson, I am a T1D diagnosed when I was 4 years old I am now 30 so I have lived with this for over 26 years. I have always lead a very active life style and always carry glucose tablets and plenty of snacks with me when Im in the mountains be it on my bike, backpacking, skiing or climbing. Everyone I climb with or recreate in the mountains with is aware that I am a T!D and I always tell them the signs to watch for that I may be getting low, fortunately I have not had a low while climbing that I did not recognize first and fix with a cliff bar or similar. I always carry a tester and adjust my insulin as necessary and over the last 10 years I can count significant lows on one hand and fortunately I have never had a low that I needed someones help with.

Hey Wilson, I am a type 1 diabetic and have been climbing for 20 years. You should always instruct your climbing partners on what to do in case you get a severe low, and you should always pack emergency sugars like glucose tablets. I never bring glucogon, but I use glucose tablets, honey packets, sugar packets etc. during low blood sugars. Both Kyle and Wade have useful tips, but often you have to try different things that will work for you. I think almost all Type 1's cut their baseline insulin (Lantus, Humulin) down before a big climb or a long day at the crags. Mainly, just remember to bring some fast acting sugar, always test, and tell your partners what to do...especially since most would probably stick you with more insulin if you pass out : (