Diabetes and the Gun (CCW, Hunting, et al)

[dust_101]

Greetings All,

I am still a young pup by many standards, but I have been a diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic for the last 20 years. Quick lesson for anyone interested, Type 1 = Pancreas not working, insulin shots usual treatment, Type 2 = Pancreas works but cells don't like insulin, pills/diet usual treatment.

I was curious to know if any of you have had experiences good/bad with known diabtetics who Hunt, Carry (CCW), Clay, Comp. Target Rifle/Pistol, or other Firearm interests. I ask as I know my limitations regarding these endeavours, keeping sugar levels under control etc, and just overall responsibility like any firearm owner. Just wondering what others have run into.

 

[Dale Taylor]

I've been insulin dependent 20 years. Check your sugars. Run high back in woods or swamp. Carry candy bars. Have fun! [email protected]

 

[Sawdust]

Do yourself a huge favor and have your doctor prescribe a Medtronic Paradigm insulin pump.

Sawdust

 

[Dale Taylor]

People on pumps can get hypoylcemic. Dangerous in woods. [email protected]

 

[one-shot-one]

my dad had type 2 his dad had type 1.
both were avid hunters and fishermen till their last year.
stayed on top of thier meds and diet and i never saw either one have a problem in the field.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

People on pumps can get hypoylcemic. Dangerous in woods.

People not on pumps can get hypoglycemic. While there is no doubt that hypoglycemia isn't good in the woods, particularly with the questionable judgement and confusion that can result, that doesn't seem to be a good reason to not use a pump. If hypoglycemia is a concern, couldn't you just reduce your basal rate for that day and adjust your bolus amounts accordingly? Then take your meter and something to increase your sugar if the need arises. You can even suspend your basal dosing for a time, which is popular with those do very vigorous activities.

There are plenty of people who do all kinds of physical activities with pump who have simply learned how to adjust their pump the same way those who use needles adjust their doses.

Overall, it seems the pump (despite the high cost) really is the way to go for better management, even for people who are very active. But, as always, talk to your doctor and your diabetic educator and don't rely on strangers on the internet.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

My doctor, during a recent check-up, asked me about diabetes in my family. I told him that virtually every family member on both sidis were insulin dependent diabetics once they were over 55 or so. So, I said, it looks like genetically, I'm gona be a diabetic.
"Not necessarily," he said, surprising me. "You could walk out of here today and get hit by a truck."
I love my doctor --cures and comedy.

 

[dust_101]

Of course, keeping the doctor informed is always of principal concern, and keeping sugar levels in mind (myself running 5.8 a1c when checked last month) and I am personally looking into the medtronic pump with the guardian meter system. No idea if it will be here before hunting season, but regardless looking forward to it for a nice change from shots.

I wasn't quite making the original post to get ideas on how to go hunting with diabetes, etc just curious to know what other people's experiences have been.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

The Guardian RT system is expensive, and unlike the pump, most insurance won't cover the device. The sensors, which will run you about $350 a month, aren't usually covered either. To complicate it even more, it is only available in a few cities at this time. The good news is that you could get the compatible pump now and add the Guardian portion later when it's more widely available and likely covered.

By the way, nice job with the 5.8 A1c!

 

[dust_101]

Thankfully my insurance co. has already given me positive outlook on that setup, they just want to wait a bit before covering the whole system. So for now just waiting to see what option to go with. As you said, may just go with the Guardian later, but the option of being checked every 5 mins is just to nice to pass up.

...and yes that 5.8 has been a long time coming, and of course my doc said "good job, now get your cholesterol down" I told him, it all depends on how good this season is

 

[Dale Taylor]

People not on pumps just back off on insulin dose when they go to woods. My Hgb a1c runs 5.8 t0 6.0 Diferent strokes for diferent folks. [email protected]

 

[Tman]

A lot of good advice going around on this thread. The Guardian RT is a good monitoring system. If that is not available, then you can use a DexCom system. The transducer (the part that goes into the skin) is smaller than the Guardian RT. As Jorg has pointed out, transducers can get quite expensive. You have an option of using the sensors when out in the field (will last 3-5 days), especially when fingersticks are inconvienient. Both systems are pretty good. Just keep an idea of what your blood sugars are, plenty of food/glucose tabs with you at all times, if you can keep a glucagon pen nearby (and friends who know how to use it), you should be in good shape to go hunting. Good luck.

 

[eagle45]

I was diaganosed type 2 ten years ago. Everyone on my mom's side is diabetic. I'm still on oral meds and now use novolog and lantus insulins. I make sure to take my test supplies everywhere I go, and keep a good stash of glucose tablets just about everywhere. If I'm going to be extra active and can keep a cooler handy, then I take a bottle or two of orange juice for when I need to bring my blood sugar up quickly. I try to go prepared, stay calm and check my readings regularly. A little extra planning goes a long way.