6 tips for adrenaline junkies with diabetes

If you're the type of person who loves the rush of adrenaline , you don't have to completely forgo it just because of diabetes. Like all strenuous activity, though, there are precautions you need to take. Here are some tips so you're not caught in a bad situation.

If you're planning on bicycling long distances, make sure your essentials are securely attached to you.

• Zippered pockets, a zipped-up backpack and saddlebags with snug closures are good bets.
• You don't want to find yourself far from home on your bicycle and in need of a snack to keep your blood sugar up, only to find that your food slipped out of your pocket.

To prevent your test strips and the insulin in your pump or vials from freezing while skiing, stash them close to your skin under your ski pants or jacket.

• One simple way to do this is to wear shorts that have a secure pocket under your ski pants, and slide your insulin and test strips into the pocket to keep them out of the deep freeze.

• If you love skiing and have reduced feeling in your feet, buy your own ski boots and take care that you get them fitted properly.
• When you rent ski boots, your odds of getting an excellent fit are awfully low.

And if you're wearing ill-fitted boots and you have reduced sensation in your feet, you might not realize that your feet are being rubbed raw.

If you have impaired circulation in your feet, ask your doctor whether skiing could cut off circulation to your feet or put you at risk for frostbite.

Good sunglasses, with both UVA nd UVB protection, will guard your eyes from glare as well as the damaging rays in sunlight that can contribute to cataracts.

• People with diabetes are already 60 per cent more likely to develop cataracts than people who do not have diabetes.

If you love some of the wilder sports, such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping or skydiving, take along a letter from your doctor stating that you are cleared for the activity.

• The operators of such sporting facilities often will ask whether you have diabetes and may refuse to admit you unless you can provide a doctor's approval.
• Without such a letter, you may end up cooling your heels for a few hours while your friends have the time of their lives.

Whether it's tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton or paintball that floats your boat, go online and find a local team or league to join.

• Team sports not only boost fitness but self-esteem, too. And you're less likely to quit than activities you do by yourself.

Whether you're biking, skiing, snowboarding or doing another high-energy activity, when you take the right precautions diabetes doesn't have to stop you from getting your heart racing.