ASK AN EXPERT
Asked by Sharon York, Summit Hill, Pennsylvania
Can someone who is a diabetic and on the insulin pump go white-water rafting?
Living Well Expert
Dr. Jennifer Shu
Pediatrician,
Children's Medical Group
Thanks for your question. For readers who may not be familiar with an insulin pump, this programmable device consists of a pump about the size of a cell phone or pager. The pump holds insulin and delivers it through tubing to a catheter (a needle made of thin plastic or metal) that is typically inserted into the skin of the abdomen. Having an indwelling, or implanted, catheter avoids the need for repeated injections, although the catheter does need to be changed and moved to a different spot on the skin periodically. Insulin pumps may also provide better control of one's blood sugar.
Although some pumps are waterproof, many are simply water-resistant but can be disconnected for short periods while swimming or bathing. When the pump is disconnected for longer periods, insulin can be given by individual injections if needed. For activities lasting several hours, such as white-water rafting, there are waterproof cases that protect the pump while allowing the user to continue to program it through a clear plastic window.
For more information or recommendations, I would suggest consulting with the physician who cares for the person's diabetes.
CNN's medical unit brings you the best experts available to answer your questions about current events and health issues that matter most to you.
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment.
