Summer Shenanigans

Warm weather brings some challenges.  These tips are great for warm weather – whether it’s a quick one-week getaway or a few months of fun in the sun!

Sunblock and Insect Repellant Sprays

Almost all aerosols will crack the plastic of Omnipods.  Here are a few strategies to keep your pods safe.

  • Use lotion rather than sprays
  • Carefully cover pods while spraying
  • Wear a rashguard (shirt made from UV-protective fabric) so that you avoid the sunblock spray near your pod AND stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays
  • Put Tegaderm or similar product over your pod

    Insulin Thermostability

    Tests in hot climates show that insulin is much more stable than generally assumed.

    “The data suggest it is possible to store unopened short- and intermediate-acting human insulin vials, pens/cartridges or prefilled plastic syringes at temperatures up to 25 °C (77 °F) for a maximum of 6 months and up to 37 °C (98.6 °F) for a maximum of 2 months without a clinically relevant loss of insulin potency.”  https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998016?form=fpf

    “…[I]nsulin samples maintained 95% or more of the refrigerated potency except for one vial each … all at 4 months”.  https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(23)00028-1/fulltext

    Even though we now know that insulin is more stable at hotter temperatures than previously thought, many insulin-dependent diabetics also travel with a Frio, Breezy Bag, or similar product. Many insulin users prefer to keep their insulin in their Frio or Breezy Packs bag even when in their hotel rooms because hotel refrigerators have unknown temperatures and insulin may freeze, rendering it useless.

    Frio

    Frio works by evaporative cooling and activates by simply soaking in water for 10-15 minutes – and then cools for 2-4 days. To re-activate simply soak again

    • It’s essential that they are not insulated in order to do their job so place your Frio in an unzipped or mesh outer pocket of a bag.  
    • Eliminates the need for ice packs, so your insulin will not freeze

    Breezy Packs

    Breezy Packs are great for when insulin needs to be kept cool and right next to cameras and computers that don’t like getting wet.

    • They do not require electricity, refrigeration, or soaking in cold water
    • Freezes at room temperature, so no refrigeration or preparation is required as long as nighttime temperatures are 24°C/ 75°F or under  
    • Case remains fully charged below 24°C/75°F and activate at 27°C/80°F
    • Case will recharge once temperatures drop to or below 24°C/75°F

    Keep your Devices Attached

    1. Plan device changes a few hours before water activities to allow the adhesive to dry
    2. Remove any oils from skin using denatured alcohol
    3. Apply Skin Tac, or a similar liquid glue, as an underpatch for enhanced attachment
    4. Use Fixomull, or a similar thin transparent adhesive tape, as an underpatch, either directly on the skin or on the adhesive of the medical device you’re applying
    5. Consider using vet wrap or CGM band for added security
    6. Use a liquid adhesive remover for a smooth device removal process

    Thanks to Type1Maniac for these Pro Tips.

    Disclaimer – These tips will not prevent you from getting sun burnt, but they might make your fun in the sun more enjoyable.

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