Going out
If you’re going out clubbing, remember that though it doesn’t seem like it, dancing is exercise and you’ll need to be careful that you don’t go hypo. And if you’re drinking as well, a hypo is even more likely.
Top tips for clubbing
- Eat before and after you go out, and if it’s a long night of drinking and dancing, you might need to snack on carbohydrate based things like crisps during the evening as well.
- Drink plenty of water or sugar-free liquids to stop you getting dehydrated. It can also help you feel less hung over the following morning.
- Check your blood glucose when you can – it’s certainly worth checking before you go out and when you get home.
- If your blood glucose is a bit on the low side, make sure you have extra snacks.
- Tell the friends you’re with about your diabetes, and make sure they know what to do if you have a hypo. And wear some diabetes I.D.
- Carry glucose tablets with you in case of a hypo. Don’t rely on being able to buy a sugary drink if you go hypo, there might be a queue at the bar, or what if you run out of money?
- Be aware that some clubs might be difficult about letting you take your insulin pen or blood glucose testing kit into the club with you. This can be considered as discrimination under the DDA. Diabetes UK feels that it is essential for people with diabetes to be able to take the items necessary for the care of their condition into nightclubs. Happily not all clubs have these rules, but it’s worth checking what the situation is at yours, and what you might do if you aren’t allowed to take your stuff in with you.