Riding Motorcycles on Insulin
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Maps
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Updated:
I started this page with the
following statement on
I have been a Rider for 26 years. An Insulin dependent
At this point I have no plans to give up riding.
But I do have questions.
I was hoping that folks out there who are a little further along on the
learning curve would share what they know with the rest of us.
Let me once again say THANK YOU! to
all of the folks who took the time to share their knowledge and experience,
along with their words of encouragement. I'm proud to be part of such a
generous group.
I hope your "can do" spirit is contagious and that
everyone who visits this page catches it.
April 12, 2007:
Thanks to the sound advice shared here and what I learned from the
"recommended reading list", I'm doing fine.
Managed to ride a little over 7,000 miles last year… including standing
at the cork screw at Laguna Seca when Nicky took off
his helmet and let loose a Ye Haaa! celebrating his
US Moto GP victory. Sometimes life is Good.
NEW QUESTION
POSTE
What problems / solutions / tips need to be considered by folks “running on insulin” when traveling abroad? Especially in less developed places like India or South America.
Email
ON THIS PAGE:
Storing
Insulin
Brief profiles of some folks "Riding on Insulin"
Avoiding "On the Road" lows
"On the road" Testing
Portable Snacks
What Every Rider "Running on Insulin" Should Have Long Solo Rides
Foreign Travel
Recommended Reading List
The information on this page is
quoted directly from the responses I have received on the above topics. If you
believe anything on this page needs to be corrected or know of additional tips
or solutions, PLEASE share them.
Comments and suggestions for making this page more useful are always
welcome.
Email
THANKS!
Brief profiles of some folks "Riding
on Insulin"
I have had Type 1 diabetes since 1960 and have been
riding MC's since 1963. I have been on
an insulin pump for more than 10 years.
Over the years I have owned and ridden the following: Honda 300cc
Scrambler, Honda CB 350, Honda CB500, Honda Shadow 700cc, Harley-
Jo Ann,
Ive been a type 2 diabetic for about 20 years, and on insulin
for about 15. im 62 years old, and have ridden bikes since I was
about fifteen and used to swipe my brother’s moped to ride to town for a
coke. After I was married to a
motorcycle fanatic, I learned to enjoy riding and eventually got a Honda 150,
then a
I exercise a lot, have had A1C’s in the five range for several years, and pay a lot of attention to what I eat. I pride myself on good BG control, but that can work against me when im riding. I do let my BG run a little higher when I know im going to be riding in extreme situations or on long trips, which we do several times each summer.
Twice I’ve had a low while riding. The first time was on my first long trip. I was nervous about riding with a group of Rolling Thunder guys, and we rode faster than im used to through the mountains during a heavy rainstorm. I was cold – now I know that’s a real danger sign. Means im going low. We stopped at a fast food place, and I had a sandwich, milk and fries I think. I thought that would hold me when we started again, but it didn’t help enough. I remember passing curves on the hills and thinking “I could just roll right over the edge” and not recognizing the danger. Finally, I just pulled off the road at a rest area sign. The entire group, all ahead of us, stopped and actually backed up to the exit on the berm to get off and see what the matter was. While my husband explained, I went into the restroom, sat on the floor under the hand dryer and hit the heat button. I’ll never forget the shocked looks on those ladies’ faces. I was exhausted, frozen, soaked through, and still too dazed to get something to eat. Long story short, we got a hotel room and I found some nuts we had and turned the heat up to 90 the entire night. Next morning I realized what had happened, and we were both wiser after that. Now I carry food with me, and my husband often offers me things when we stop. He carries snacks for me as well.
The second problem I still haven’t figured
out. We were riding on a beautiful
chilly fall day through gorgeous scenery in
Though I’ve been careful about carrying things with me and paying attention to my body, I know that I need to test more often. I do that before I exercise, and after, and the difference in my BG is amazing sometimes. Riding a motorcycle requires concentration, constant balancing, some physical strength, and general fitness. It also exposes us to extreme heat, cold, rain, etc. All of those things place demands on our bodies, and it only makes sense to take care of the details constantly to counteract some of those. Having a good rain suit helps, too, as do riding partners that pay attention and help out when needed.
I have ridden solo with no problems, and love riding. I love the shock on some people’s faces when I pull my helmet off and they see my gray hair. Two episodes in 30 years of riding is not too bad, but one might be too many. I just pay attention and am willing to say when I need to stop or take a rest.
Keep riding – and taking care of your diabetes. It’s a healthy lifestyle – and im thankful for the impetus to take good care of myself.
Hello out there !
If you have any questions about riding and being diabetic feel free to sling me a line! I have been a diabetic for almost fifty years and insulin dependent since I was 17 months old and riding going on 41 years and no end in sight ...lol . Gary J. Mohr stick79@juno.com
My name is
Jon, Posted
I was just sent a
link to your website by my mother and I thought it was great, I didn’t
know that there were so many of us!! I am 21 years old and I have been insulin
dependant for about 8 years and motorcycling since elementary school. I have
had an insulin pump for about 4 years now and it has been a serious blessing
for both dirt biking and street riding. It’s
basically an indestructible unit so I could strap it on and crash my dirt bike
all I wanted and I wouldn’t hurt my pump. One thing that I’ve always made sure to do, and I think every
diabetic motorcyclist should, is to make sure anyone you’re with knows
your condition and how to detect a low. As we all know, we may not always
catch it, especially on a bike, so if they know the warning signs also, they
can help. I work at a Harley
I just saw your website, and it’s really neat to hear
about other diabetic motorcyclists! I’ve been diabetic since age 12, and
am now the 35 year-old father of one. I grew up in a dirt-biking family, and
always aspired to be a racer myself.
Not to toot my own horn,
here's a story that I hope will inspire other diabetic riders that they can do
anything they set their minds to. Just returned from a GPS-navigated off-road
adventure around the perimeter of Algonquin park in
Off-Road
Editor at Large, Inside Motorcycles
Editor
at Large, Inside MotoX
Sy, Posted
I have been insulin dependant for about 20
tears, and motorcycle addicted for about 40. Hopefully, my post will contribute
something positive and maybe prompt others to do the same.
I find that when my BGL gets low I have only a short time to do something about
it; if I say that I will do something about it in a minute then I am asking for
a hypo. Because motorcycling can be so enthralling, and distracting, I have had
to put a system in place whereby I can get some sugar into me IMME
size) coming from my backpack;
one (the larger of the two) has pure water, just for rehydration.
The smaller hose goes to a smaller reservoir that contains a sugar and water
mix (as much sugar as will stay in suspension, usually about 15 teaspoons to a
cup of water). So I always have in
I note with interest the concern shown by other contributors about keeping their
insulin cool. I have found that my insulin (Actrapid
HM)(editor note – Humalog
is more temperature sensitive) is a very stable liquid, and not susceptible
to deterioration due to temperature (at least in the short term). My insulin
pen lives in my inside pocket always, and is thereby alongside a 100degF heat
source (my body) all day. And when injected the insulin is subjected to (and
indeed works best at) this same temperature. By all means I treat insulin with
care for storage purposes, but when out on my bike I make no concession to the
temperature that the insulin has to bear. If I can bear it so can my insulin.
And I live in outback
Regards
- Sy
He who laughs last thinks slowest
George, Posted
I have had I
My note of caution is that I never had problems in the early or mid riding
years. Be careful as the time of the disease gets long spanned, it becomes
easier to not be as able to recognize low blood sugars. I was stopped by the
police just a short di
Rebecca, POSTE
I just ran across your page and found
it very interesting. I have been insulin dependant for ten years. It seldom
interferes with my riding. I have developed the attitude to take care of
myself. The people I ride with are aware of my condition and usually respect my
meal schedule. I always keep glucose tabs with me and some type of snack with a
small OJ. Other than diabetes, I am one of the healthiest grandmothers I know
and still riding strong. I am sending this mail from work........my email
address for any type of response is bkyhill@hotmail.com
Lyle, POSTE
I have been an insulin dependent
diabetic for 30 years. I also have been a motorcycle rider off and on for
as long. Finally after retirement I adopted the motorcycle as my primary
travel mode. Many of the excursions involve friends with the same
enthusiasm for motorcycle travel. One thing I am very open about with my
fellow travelers is my condition. I do not want them to be unprepared for
any incidents that could arise as a result of my diabetes. I always have
alerted them to my critical periods when I likely need a snack. The mid-morning,
mid-afternoon, and late evening periods are the critical times for me where I
need to watch for a hypoglycemic reaction. We diabetics who have these
low sugar times know that sometimes our conscious mind loses control and we can
use a little help. Hard as we try, a good friend can get you over that
critical time period. Every gas stop becomes a snack stop for me. I
have some great friends who do take a serious interest in helping me to pay
close attention to that condition. Sometimes I feel that can become a
burden to the group, but I have been lucky to have some great riding
friends. I have made trips across the country, even to
Lyle lrmckean@hotmail.com
My name is
Four years ago we got a 1982 GL1100 Aspencade so we
could go to the Honda Hoot in Asheville. We enjoyed that a lot and have
been going back since. Knoxville, however, is a bit too hot for our blood so
this year we are off to Americade. When we go to these things we ride, which is what the bike
is for.
Todd, POSTE
Stumbled onto your website and thought I'd contribute a brief note. I'm a 45 year old guy who's had Type I diabetes now for 21+ years. Never been back to the hospital since I was diagnosed. I lead an active lifestyle and actually consider my condition an unfair advantage at times! As many have said in this forum, look out for yourself and I make sure that others know about my condition in case I start acting a little strange. I recently restored an old CZ mx bike and enjoy the AHRMA nationals. My mother once told me that the best thing that could happen to a person was to come down with a serious disease and have to take care of it. Keep up the good work all. - Todd
Logan, POSTE
I'm 17 and have been a diabetic since I was 10. Actually, I spent my
10th birthday in Riley Childrens' Hospital in
Indianapolis. I just wanted to say that it really means a lot to me
to know that there are a lot of diabetics out there just like me who love
motorcycles and aren't letting their diabetes
P.S. Gary-I would love to here from you and anyone else who is diabetic and
loves to ride. loganyoder@hotmail.com
George, Posted March 7, 2002
I am a 68-year-old diabetic who continues to ride and enjoys his time on the
motorcycle. I was diagnosed about 27 years ago and have been insulin dependent
for 23 years. I am now on the insulin pump and management has improved
significantly. The main purpose of my writing is to caution my fellow bikers to
carry back-up batteries for both their monitor and pump, as I don't
recall seeing this mentioned while going through the correspondence. Batteries
for the monitor may be available but those for the pump may not be as easy to
come by. It is very important on long trips in rather isolated parts of the country
and in foreign countries it is essential. I believe everyone else has covered
all aspects of traveling with diabetes.
Richard from England, Posted November 19, 2001
I'm 47, motorcyclist since 17, insulin dependent diabetic since 21. I would echo all the people on your page who tell us that diabetes is a condition, not a disability. Like motorcycling, it just needs judgment, anticipation and good sense.
For overseas, I travel very often for work in Asia and the Middle East. No problems so far. Try to get a doctor's note explaining your condition, translated into the language of the country you're visiting - but I've never had to show mine in over 20 years regular travel. One painful piece of advice - get your teeth fixed before you go too far off the beaten track. I had to have some root canal work done in western Sumatra, where the dental practice had neither anesthetic nor electricity. Treadle operated drill, sterilized over a gas jet. It hurt, and I've still got a bit of the broken drill bit stuck up in my canal somewhere. Not nice, and diabetics are susceptible to bad teeth and root infections. Get them sorted before you go.
I am 37 years old and have been a
diabetic for 32 years. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 18. My first
bike was a Yamaha 500 virago I kept that for about a year then I graduated to a
Harley
Cisco, Posted October 14, 2001
I've been diabetic since age 10. I'm now 51 and have been riding for 28 years.
The best advice I can give is to always carry "insurance" which I
define as plenty of sugar. I use jelly beans because they don't melt and act
quickly. I carry a sandwich bag of JBs in my riding
vest pocket so I can even eat a few as I'm riding if I start to feel
hypoglycemic. The best idea, of course, is to monitor your blood sugar and eat
as scheduled. But, if the occasion arises, jelly beans can (and have been for
me) a life saver.
Joe, Posted: May 9, 2000
I have been on the road for 30 years . I have had diabetes for 25 years. I have found that the small insulated lunch boxes that you get in K-Mart work real well for insulin storage. I also carry glucose tablets in my pocket. I think that it is important that we show the young kids that they can do what ever they want . My wife works for a doctor and when ever I see a kid (10 and over) I give them a ride if they want. It works wonders.
Ernie, Posted: February 4, 2000
I am 65 and have known about my
diabetes since I was 40. I have been riding motorcycles for over 50 years and
have never experienced a problem with the disease. I carry insulin in a cooler
attached to the trailer hitch ball. We often travel 500 to 750 miles in one day
without problems related to high or low sugar. There are times when I feel
anxious and need a sugar fix so I carry something to eat most times. Other
times when snow skiing the extra exercise causes low blood sugar if I take the
normal insulin. Here again I need chocolate etc.
Richard, Posted:
I was born with Type 1 diabetes in 1946. Presently 53 years of age and have ridden Motorcycles most my life. Six years ago nerve damage set-in and I can no longer detect "high or low glucose levels." The simple word is "Brittle". I presently ride a Harley, but must check glucose levels every two hours to avoid hypoglycemia. I have taken good care of the situation, but complications can set-in over the years. If I can give any advice to other diabetics, it would be essential to monitor the glucose levels on a strict regimen. My A1C's consistently stay around 5.3 which is near perfect. Most diabetics can lead a normal life, but should never take the body for granted. Wish you and all the others well. By the way, I have worn an insulin pump for the past six years and my lifestyle has improved greatly.
Rod, Posted: October 18, 1999
My name is Rod and I am writing from Waimate in New Zealand and have only just got on the Internet. I have been an insulin dependent diabetic for the last thirty-three years and riding motorbikes for thirty-one of those years. I was looking up motorbikes on the Internet search engine when I came across your site. I want to say that I have never had any negative effects from being diabetic and a motorbike rider to date. While I highly commend your attitude (and those from the respondents you placed on the site) regarding diabetes and its control, my own regard has been far less strict. To date I have no secondary problems at all from diabetes and admit freely to all that I love sugar fixes every now and again. I have traveled extensively over the years through Europe, Australia, Asia and New Zealand. For the most part, any authorities I have come up against have been helpful once my condition was understood by them. I have to say (perhaps because of my looks and dress) that I invariably was first off the aircraft/ship/train/car and the last out of customs. Every time I have traveled overseas and my syringe was found by customs or my declaring it, the immediate response has been to take me away for a search for drugs. While this has been trying to say the least, once it was understood, the reverse has applied and I have been given good treatment. I have found that carrying around a note written by my doctor has helped immensely but warn you that you will become the focus of attention in some cases if you travel overseas- so be prepared. With regard to diet, I have always been a follower of eating complex carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice, etc.) as the staple food requirement. I love fruit and if I am particularly energetic, I always make sure I either have some form of sugar before activity (like a chocolate bar) or have it ready in case I require it during or after the activity. When traveling it is important in my opinion to have this form of nourishment at hand at all times. Remember, it is better to have sugar levels too high than to have them too low. I also recommend that you eat what the locals eat - it is much cheaper and safer (thus, for example, bread, wine and cheese in France; pasta and wine in Italy; rice and wine/beer in Asia. Also makes it easier to do so if you can't speak the local language and are otherwise lost). I am aware that you will need a period of adjustment to your condition and caution you that it might take two or three years to find the equilibrium you can best live with. While this might sound like a long time, it isn't in the context of your lifetime. I hope these tidbits will be helpful and can give you a more exhaustive resume' if you want to contact me. What I will say is GO FOR IT!!! I recommend travel overseas and suggest that if you do, try and travel with someone who is aware of your condition, otherwise the world is your oyster and go for it. Good luck and happy riding.
Matt, Posted: September 4, 1999
I'm a 31 year old who "celebrated" my 1 year anniversary of
diagnosis with Type 1 at the beginning of August. I keep very tight control of
my condition and have since I was diagnosed. Fortunately this has not hampered
my riding AT ALL. In fact, I ride for a living. I spend 10 hours a day, 4 days
a week on my bike as a (hold the hisses) Motor Officer in the San Francisco
area. I've worked out a little deal with our dispatchers so that when I go a bit
low I call them and tell them I'll be 10-7 (unavailable) for a few minutes.
Things have been working out great and my department has been very supportive.
I also ride a BMW R1100GS off duty and have done several long di
Scott, Posted: July 17, 1999
Welcome to the club! :> I've been a type 1 diabetic for 30 years and have been fortunate to have had the support of MANY people around me. The most important thing when riding anywhere is to ride with people who know your condition, whether friend(s) or actually telling the people you are diabetic. Although you might feel like you are "different", a lot of people I've told who didn't previously know I was a diabetic seemed to be impressed with the way I handle it.
Catherine, Posted: March 17, 1999
I have been an insulin dependent
diabetic for almost 5 years. I have been motorcycling for 15 years, I ride a
Triumph 1200
All best wishes, Ride Safe - Catherine
P.S. I would recommend
published by Positive Health Guides.
Warren, Posted 1/99
I retired from the Army after 23 years and settled in Indiana. I have been a biker for over 30 years but insulin diabetic for about two years. I always wanted to go to Sturgis and put a new ElectraGlide on order before I was placed on insulin. When it finally came in (28 month wait) (well worth it, I might add) I was very apprehensive about riding more than a couple hundred miles because of my concerns about insulin storage. That was until I found your site! The wife and I decided to ride out to Sturgis in '98. I took your advice about the small vacuum bottle and the bubble wrap. It worked perfectly! We took 11 days to make the trip. We spent 3 nights in Rapid City and the rest on the road. We stayed in Super 8 Motels all of the other nights. They were very accommodating and they all had freezers to re-freeze the ice packs for my portable carrying case. I put ice into the vacuum bottle each night to pre-chill the interior and each evening when we would unload at the motel the insulin vials were still well chilled. I monitored regularly and had no low sugar reactions or any other problems. Thanks to the travel hints on your site the retirement I fought for will be filled with many new adventures. God Bless You real good!!!
Posted
Eline, Posted 10/98
I have been a Type I diabetic for 25 years. About 9 years ago I decided I
was tired of taking "the back seat" on people's bikes and that it was
time for me to learn how to ride myself. I began my biker life with a Honda NX
250. Life was good! From there I moved to an EX-500. Life got a little better!!
Then 4 years ago I acquired my pride and joy -- a 750
Guy, Posted 5/98
I've had T1 for over 35 yrs., big deal eh?. I been riding m/c since I was 16, I'm 40 now. Got my bike license a year before car license. I have a 1200cc, Yam, Venture Royale right now. I've taken some pretty fun and silly romps across Canada just about every chance I get.
I have been insulin dependent from jump in March 81. I have been a rider since before dirt was invented. The most important thing to keep track of on the road is your blood sugar levels. Planning helps to avoid having to run low.
Paying my respects to all who have gone before and leaving wisdom for all who will follow.
Stay in the wind.
Mike: Posted 3/98
I have been a motorcyclist as well as a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic
for 8 years. I was excited to find your web site, I'm new to the Internet. I've
found over the years that being a diabetic and a motorcyclist simply means that
my journeys require a little more planning. I recently completed a solo winter
excursion through the southeastern United States. I left from L.I. New York on
2/1 and ended up in New Orleans on 2/7. From there to visit
family in
Rick: Posted
9/97
I've had diabetes for 33 years, since I was 16. I got my first motorcycle about
then too. I will be 50 in a week and am riding a '76 R75/6 BMW. I sold my '48
Indian Chief last year but still own a '52 Triumph T-bird I've had since '71. I
sold the Indian to help put me through school at UCS
Luigi - Milano, Posted 8/97
I'm a 32 years old diabetic (type 1 since 1969) and I only wanted to testify
that since both riding a motorcycle and managing diabetes basically only need
good sense, there is no problem in doing both. I ride motorbikes since 1979 and
I never faced problems related to diabetes in doing this. I have occasionally
been test rider for the "Motociclismo" and Tuttomoto" motorcycle magazines too.
Elizabeth
I have had juvenile diabetes for 30 years and started riding a 250 Ninja
last year.
I just had a nice talk with my doctor. A friend of mine who thinks I am crazy
for buying a motorcycle says that it is ridiculous that I have started the
insulin pump, trying to make my life longer, only to start a dangerous, risky
hobby. My doctor assured me that if I wanted to ride that I not look at it any
differently just because I am diabetic.
I have even tried racing on the Putnam park race track here in Indiana. Towards
the end of my racing class I did crash, but it was not due to the diabetes,
only to my lack of judgment and getting over confident! I will probably get my
road racing license this year.
I have never let diabetes get in my way. I have traveled all over the world and
hope to continue to do so.
Jim
I have had insulin dependent, type I, diabetes since 1975. I have been
riding motorcycles off and on since 1969, but have ridden relatively
continuously for the last 5 years. I am a certified motorcycle safety
instructor through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and have been for
over 3 years.
Irv
I have been diabetic for 37 years and got very interested in motorcycles
about seven years ago. I just love to go camping and go away for weeks at a
time. I have never had a problem on the road. I might add that I don't let the
diabetes rule my life. I enjoy life and control it rather than have the
diabetes control me.
I've been insulin dependent since 1974. I've been riding motorcycles for
the past 8 years. I've encountered every imaginable diabetic condition while on
the road. I prefer solo long di
Paul
I've been a type 1 diabetic for 10 yrs and have been biking since I was 17,
8 yrs ago. So firstly there is no reason to even consider giving up biking.
There is no problem you just have to be a bit more cautious on longer trips.
Last year I rode from Northern Italy back home to Ireland 1 1/2 days and it
snowed for most of the way. One thing to note is that if you are stressed out
(lost in a strange country) this can reduce your blood sugar. Try getting lost
in Paris when you know you have a ferry to catch. Apart from that just avoid
rushing to much and prick your finger for a blood test every now again.
Larry
I'm 53 years old and I have two bikes. I've been a diabetic for about five years
I think. Starting by dieting than pills and I'm doing pills and insulin. I have
been doing insulin for about two years. No problems with riding.
John
I'm 29, Type 1 since I was 20, riding an 82 BMW R65, and freelancing as an
independent bike wholesaler in an attempt at living outside corporate
environments. Had a checkup just before Xmas, my Hemo
A1C was right on target, as usual. Having dealt with another
chronic disease all my life (asthma), diabetes aint
that bad. Just another condition of my existence.
Both rather *enhance* my life, in a way, in that I don't take health for
granted, and I try to live in a very mindful way...
Michael
I have been a diabetic for twenty years and riding for about 12.
Robert
I am an I
Henrik
I'm a 29 year old biker in Sweden who also happens to be diabetic type 1.
I'm rather new at this too. I have only been a biker for 1.5 years, and
diabetic for 3 years so I became a biker after I became diabetic.
Carole
We are the opposite in the fact that I have been a diabetic for over 30
years and only been riding for the past year.
Marty
I have had to take insulin for about 7 yrs. Been a
Goldwinger for the past 4 yrs. but that has not
slowed us down at all.
STORING INSULIN
I have had diabetes since
1991 and I ride motorcycles. I keep my insulin pens and vials in a bag I made.
It uses water to cool the insulin even in your motorcycle bags
. It usually lasts for 2 to 3 days and then can be recharged any where
there is water. Individual pen bag is
only about 3 inches by 7 inches. They can be made in any size. I have used
these for 3 years now with no problem. It really solved the problem of keeping
my insulin cool. If interested contact me at mailto:Widowmaker5588@AOL.com
I don't worry about Insulin storage too much, so long as I keep my bag out of
the sun. I've kept an insulin vial in my front pocket when I didn't feel like
bringing the purse-thing with me, and the heat from my body didn't affect it. I
have wrecked bottles by leaving them in the glove box (Las Vegas in August, and
only for an hour. Wasted the insulin).
I bought myself a stainless steel
vacuum flask to carry insulin in on hot days - lined with bubble wrap, it does a really good job.
Keeping insulin cool in the summer heat, however, can be tough. The best I can
do now is place my insulin in an insulated insulin container, with a refreezable "ice" insert that accommodates the
bottles perfectly. It's made by "Medicool,
Inc." and its name is "The Medicool Insulin
Protector". (1-800-433-2469 www.medicool.com). Its
good enough to keep insulin cool for about 36 hours--in the middle of
I keep the vial in a small insulated thermos with ice. Sometimes by the time I
get to my destination the ice has melted. There is a kit being sold for
travelers but I thought it was too expensive.
I generally keep the insulin I use at room temperature if I know it is going to
be excessively hot, the case I have which is available at K Mart has a section
filled with water which can be frozen, to keep things cool. There is enough
room in it for 2 vials of insulin, blood glucose meter, strips, syringes, and
alcohol swabs.
I take a small Ice chest that fits in my side bag, I use ice and keep my
bottles in a water tight Tupperware container, this lasts all day and it is
still cold when I stop at the end of the day.
I've had some minor problems dealing with my insulin in the summer. I've
purchased a small thermos and put my insulin in there with ice. I have learned
this the hard way by cooking my insulin.
Hi, Gary I just returned from a week long motorcycle ride in Laconia New
Hampshire. The weather wasn't excessively hot so temperature wasn't a real big
factor in my storage design . I came up with it after
reading several articles on your site and you probably already know the
information I'm about to share. Here's what I came up with and the
modifications I made along the way and something I discovered today that is a
vast improvement and is readily available to most diabetics if they use one
touch test strips.
1- I purchased a wide mouth Nissan Stainless vacuum bottle
2 - Began a search for water tight containers about the same size as humulin bottles (the best I could come up with was several
film canisters 35 mm with the ends cut out and stacked telescopically inside
one another) This makes a pretty good water tight container for two insulin
bottles stacked one on top another.
3 - I took the suggestion about the bubble wrap another step I used a piece of
the packing material that you usually find wrapped around Japanese electronics
products thin closed cell foam. Wrapped this around the exterior of the film
canister stack this supplied shock protection to the bottles.
4 - I attached a small piece of nylon twine to the containers to allow easy
retrieval from the thermos if left at the top of the thermos before screwing on
the lid. The bottles are then lowered into and out of the ice bath inside the
thermos
5 - I added a couple of ice cubes to maintain the cold (lasts several days if
kept out of the direct sun cubes still solid) This design worked fine for
several days at a time, including a few very hot days.
6 - I continued my search for some better containers the film canister worked
okay but still a little hokey. This evening while sitting at the computer I
noticed an empty basic test strip vial laying on my desk and tried my empty
insulin (my size tester been carrying it around for about a month looking for
containers) It fit perfect, in fact it even has a silica gel pack built right
into the lid to prevent the build up of moisture in the container.
7 - I added a small zipper pull thermometer (the type they sell in ski shops
and outdoor shops) to the twine so. I can monitor the temperature of the
container when opened to gage the fall in temperature in the container I
suggest this arrangement be stored away from your exhaust. If a saddle bag is
all you have put it at the top or in the middle not at the bottom!!
My storage container is now complete for travel by planes trains and
motorcycles ....See ya at Sturgis 2000
Old Biker Fart 90 FLHS Mr.
I've been a
motorcyclist for 20 odd years, and although I'm not a diabetic, I have friends
who are. They use a thing called the FRIO wallet to carry insulin. It works
with only water (no ice etc) and keeps the medication cool for about 40 hours
or more. It's really good and can even be used to keep your cheese fresh as
well! It would seem to be the ideal thing for foreign travel in less developed
countries as long as you can get water. You can find out about/purchase one
from www.friouk.com.
Regards,
AVOI
You need to pay close attention to your first signs of low blood
sugar so that you are watching for any of those signs more closely when you are
riding.
As for low blood sugar I keep a few
pieces of peppermint candy, Those that dissolve
easily, in my coat pocket and I can easily slip one in my month while riding. I
also keep the diabetic bars in my backpack to snack on.
I find that when my BGL gets low I have only a short
time to do something about it; if I say that I will do something about it in a
minute then I am asking for a hypo. Because motorcycling can be so enthralling,
and distracting, I have had to put a system in place whereby I can get some
sugar into me IMME
When I rode out to Sturgis in 1994, I'll never forget that fuzzy feeling I had.
My motor skills were impaired, and I was clearly not at the top of my game. I
pulled over, tested my blood sugar, and--guess what--I needed food. No matter
where I go, near or far, I always carry food. Lifesavers in my jacket pocket, Powerbars in my soft bags, a "box" of juice too.
Portable drinks are ideal because they raise blood sugar levels fastest. The
trickiest part is waiting long enough to regain proper concentration and motor
function. Although I'm sometimes inclined to hop back on the bike, I wait as
patiently as I can until I am certain I am back in top form.
I've been diabetic for 23 years, and I know how my body responds to food or
insulin. I am fairly good at telling when my blood sugar is low--without
testing. But I know that I should actually test more often when I'm putting
hundreds of miles on per day.
I always carry some glucose sweets in all my jackets. On long journeys I eat
regularly (carbohydrates, sandwiches etc.) and check my blood sugar often.
Always start the day with a good carbohydrate breakfast.
I keep candy in my tour pack on the bikes.
Avoiding low blood sugar on the road is the most important, If
I am going to drive or ride over an extended period of time I let my blood sugar
go a little bit higher, probably not recommended by the
I've been riding motorcycles since 1968, and I've been a diabetic since
1970. I also totaled a '81 BMW in Elizabethtown, Ky. in '82 from an insulin
reaction and woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed. Just rode my '73 Honda CB
500 down to
ON
THE ROA
It's about as easy to check your "sugar" On the road as
any place else.
I use "visual read" (CHEMSTRIP bG) on the
road. They take up less space an save wear and tear on my meter. They are also
less expensive (especially when cut in half or thirds).
The strong
vibration, adrenaline, and intense concentration when riding mask many of the
symptoms of hypoglycemia. TEST OFTEN! Studies have shown that though diabetics
"think" they know what their blood sugars are, 90% of the time they
"guess" incorrectly. My husband and I have created a hand signal that
means I need to stop to test: I raise my left arm in the air and tap my thumb
and middle finger together in rapid succession. All my riding buddies know what
it means and are glad to pull over to give me the 60 seconds it takes to
perform a blood test. (The new Fast Take monitor is quick and provides
excellent results.)
PORTABLE SNACKS
In most sporting good shops, you
can get a product called a sports "gel". It not only contains some
extra vitamins and minerals that you sweat away, but it contains enough carbs to get you out of even a bad low quickly.
I always carry glucose tabs with me as when riding sometimes the
miles fly by and food is not always on the mind when riding and the tabs come
in very handy.
No matter where I go, near or far, I always carry food. Lifesavers in my jacket
pocket, Powerbars in my soft bags, a "box"
of juice too. Portable drinks are ideal because they raise blood sugar levels
fastest.
Kroger has my favorite emergency sugar fix: "Health Valley Fat Free
Breakfast Bars", in both strawberry and blueberry. Mighty tasty... I keep
at least 2 with me at all times. Also- Gatorade and 2% milk are absorbed in the
bloodstream faster than anything else.
The best remedy I have found for low blood sugar is orange juice, tough to
carry, but worth it. I also take along peanut butter crackers etc.
I usually carry a milky way or snicker, and always orange juice in case my
glucose level drops unexpectedly.
I was surprised to discover that no one mentioned sweet tarts. For me, they
work better than even glucose tablets, and they are much more convenient. There
are two different packages. I have not found that the very small ones in the twisted plastic wrap are very effective, nor
are they very convenient. There is a small multicolored paper wrap that
contains 3 to a package, is sold in volumes of about 50 and is extremely
effective to relieve an attack of low blood sugar in less than 5 minutes, even
when the symptoms have started. The wrapping holds up continuously for days. It
doesn't matter what I do, I always carry between 5 and 10 of those 3-packs with
me.
WHAT EVERY RI
I
I was diagnosed diabetic almost a
year ago. Been riding Harley's since I was 18 (1978). Was over in Sturgis last
year and met this bro in a restaurant. He had told me he's had diabetes all his
life. What I'm trying to get at here is....one time he got pulled over for
drunk driving. Come to find out he was not drunk, low sugar.
The most important thing a diabetic can do is wear a bracelet. A card in the wallet, or a necklace is of little use to an officer who can't see it. I learned the hard way shortly after becoming a diabetic. I was wearing a necklace that couldn't be seen... Police in most states can not disturb clothing to look for a necklace, nor can they look through your wallet, nor can they even look through your vehicle for a medic alert identification. Bracelets can be "seen" alerting an officer that you may be in serious need of help. Joe
LONG
SOLO RI
My brother (who is also a diabetic), and I went on a trip last year.
We traveled over 2,700 miles in 8 days. I firmly believe there are ways to
prepare for a trip of this type. We were not rushed and had planned both for
the trip and for contingencies, breakdowns and reactions! Two activities stick
in my mind other than not rushing, and they are: 1. We stopped to eat at
approximately the same times we do on our normal schedule; 2. We tested our
blood on a regular basis so we knew the status of our bodies relative to the
days travel plans.
I go on long trips all the time. One nice thing about diabetes is that it lets
you know what to do. You're not an invalid.
Foreign Travel
The most important thing to consider when traveling in these nations is to
check your water supply. As a diabetic you will have more difficulty fighting
micro-organisms then most.
For the most part, any authorities I have come up against have been helpful once my condition was understood by them. I have to say (perhaps because of my looks and dress) that I invariably was first off the aircraft/ship/train/car and the last out of customs. Every time I have traveled overseas and my syringe was found by customs or my declaring it, the immediate response has been to take me away for a search for drugs. While this has been trying to say the least, once it was understood, the reverse has applied and I have been given good treatment. I have found that carrying around a note written by my doctor has helped immensely but warn you that you will become the focus of attention in some cases if you travel overseas- so be prepared.... Rod M.
I can only suggest that you get an
insulated pack (they come in all sizes) and carry enough of your insulin and
syringes to last for the entire trip!
I also ride a 1200 Sportster and never have a problem - just have to make sure to stick to your schedule (no matter how much fun you're having)!
Keep your knees in the breeze.... Linda
I'm 33, I've been diabetic for ten years and riding off and on for 23 years. I've never had a problem riding with diabetes - and that's with 30,000 in the past four years. Riding is like the rest of life; you learn how to manage.
Use a One Touch Meter. Aside from
being bullet proof, here's a story. I recently traveled for three weeks in
Turkey. I dropped my meter after testing one night on a ferry on the Bosphorus. I didn't realize it until the next morning, but
I lost the plastic plate that holds the test strip in place. Shit!!! After
trying to make one of my own (with the back page of the Lonely Planet Guide), I
realized that wasn't going to work. (Should have brought urine strips as a back
up.) I called a toll free number on the back of my tester. Although it wasn't
toll free from overseas it was a great call. They informed me that if I was in
the US, they would overnight the piece to me free of charge -wow! Instead, they
gave me the phone number of the I
Carry a complete set up of insulin and needles (and tester if you have the space). While traveling in the newly opened East Germany eight years ago on a train to Prague, someone stole my but-bag. I was asleep and it was firmly attached to my backpack six inches from my head. The bag contained insulin and needles but fortunately I had a back up set sufficient to last the rest of the trip.
When site seeing, don't forget to adjust for all the walking. My blood sugar levels are dramatically lower when I walk all day.
Exercise! You'll never regret how
good it makes you feel. I attempted Rainier last year without a problem. Except
for the wind which meant we had to turn around at 12,400 feet.
I have been a Certified
First of all check out the country
you are going to-----maybe the American
When you travel it is best to carry all supplies with you on the plane. Call ahead if you need a special meal plan and carry food with you in case the plane is late and your mealtime is due without any food.
Carry a prescriptions of each
medicine and supply that you will need. Carry two bottles of each insulin that
you are on and store in a different bag.
Insulin should not be in the open if it is over 86 degrees, so buy an insulated carry case for it.
Carry more supplies that what you will need and store in several different places. If someone is traveling with you let them take part of your supplies in their carry on.
Wear only the best comfortable, worn in shoes..........never wear new ones on a trip.
The only problem anyone has ever told me about when traveling was when going to Iran...........at the airport they confiscated his insulin and blood glucose meter. He went to the American Embassy and they sent him back home since it was too risky to be there. I wouldn't think that would be a problem in India.
Get travel medical insurance and check out your itinerary to see if there are clinics or hospitals on your route...You might want to check into the American Embassy and tell them you are traveling in underdeveloped countries. They can also give you tips. Better yet if you could e mail them beforehand.
Study your itinerary on the www if you can beforehand. This goes for anyone.
If you are type 1 and do urine ketone testing......don't forget them.
Maybe some bottled water and diet fluids would be good to have along especially if you would get sick or when traveling in the heat to not get dehydrated.
Take care and have fun.
It's important to take appropriate documentation from your doctor...Syringes are difficult to explain in customs...a 16 oz. soda bottle with lid is also helpful to transport used needles and syringes for disposal.....
Recommended
"The
"The
"The
"Outsmarting
"Reversing
"The USC
"The Zone"
Any
tips, comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated and shared.
Contact Gary at: smma@mindspring.com THANKS!
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