Festivals
The best thing about the British summer has got to be the festivals – let’s face it, it’s unlikely to be the sun.
So if you’re going to brave the mud and the rain - you know it's worth it - staying safe has got to be a priority, or it won’t be fun at all.
Top tips for staying safe
- Make sure the people you are with know that you have diabetes, what to do if you have a hypo and how to recognise symptoms.
- Carry some kind of diabetes ID.
- Food at festivals is likely to be expensive and there could be long queues for it. Consider whether to bring a camping stove and your own food. Or make sure you have plenty of money to cover buying your food.
- Drink plenty of sugar free fluids to keep you well hydrated, and check your blood glucose regularly.
- Consider reducing your insulin dose if you’re doing a lot of activity or if it’s very hot.
- Have plenty of carbohydrate based snacks available.
- Make sure you always have something to treat a hypo with you.
- Use an insulated cool bag, flask or frio bag to keep your insulin cool. The festival medical services may be able to store it in their fridge, but don't rely on this.
- If you forget anything the festival medical services can usually obtain supplies.
- Don't rely on your mobile phone being charged.
- Keep to the recommended limits for alcohol, that is 2 units per day for women, 3 units for men. Read our info on alcohol and diabetes.
- Don’t be tempted by illegal drugs. Amongst other side effects, they can also affect your diabetes. Read our info on drugs and diabetes.