Current pandemic situation around the world has forced the postponement of most major outdoor events this year. As a result, a whole bunch of events, festivals, and concerts were canceled or rescheduled until the next year. However, live event organizers already have plans to hit the road next summer and thousands of music fans have already started preparing for 2021 festivals. But the thing is, people with diabetes should follow not only basic hygiene and social distancing rules, but also be prepared and take extra precautions before the fun begins!
To make sure you have a good time without putting yourself at risk, here are some important things to remember before and during festivals.
Pack your diabetes equipment properly
If you are going to attend music festival, make sure your diabetes equipment include:
- Insulin delivery device(syringes, pens, jet injectors, oral insulin, pump, or inhaler)
- CGM sensors
- Adhesive patches for sensor protection
- Blood Glucose meter
- Test strips
- Extra batteries
- Sanitizer or alcohol wipes
- Sugary snack
- protein snacks
And don’t forget to pack backup insulin and syringes! It is important to have spares of all your equipment, just in case.
Request a Letter from Your General Practitioner
Sharp objects and food are prohibited to be taken on a vast majority of festivals, so not to get your needles/syringes and snacks confiscated, ask your doctor for a letter that confirms your diabetes and states the necessity to carry your supplies.
Tell your friends
Give your friends a heads up of what to do in case of emergency, it is important to make them aware of your condition. Make a planned time an location to meet up with your group in case you get separated and feel unwell.
Add “ICE” to your phone contact list
‘ICE’ stands for ‘In Case of Emergency’ and helps emergency service staff, police and doctors in the situation when the person is not able to tell who to contact.
FESTIVAL DO’S AND DON’TS
So, here is the list of what you should and shouldn’t do when you are at the festival.
Let’s begin with do’s:
- Check your blood glucose regularly.
- Study the map and Find the first aid tent
- Stay hydrated. Make sure to consistently drink water to avoid dehydration.
- Have your ID badge or bracelet so that you can be properly identified and treated in a worst-case scenario.
- Get Frio wallet to keep your insulin cool
- Be conscious of your CGM and carry extra patches for the sensor on you! Sweating can occasionally make the adhesive on your sensors less affective. Stock your spare supplies, apply adhesive tape, or opt for multiple daily injections.
Don’ts:
- Don’t drink too much alcohol (Most beverages will initially raise your blood sugar so try to have not more than a single drink.);
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach;
- Try not to eat fried food, red meats, white bread, chips, hot dogs, and other products which quickly increase blood sugar. Opt for lean meats and fish instead, cooked with less oil and salt. Eat meals that you are familiar with in relation to how it affects your blood sugar;
- Try not to smoke marijuana and don’t do other drugs. It can significantly affect blood glucose control and lead to serious health problems.
- Don’t wear uncomfortable open-toed shoes and take a load off your feet.
