Updated reflection on Diabetes type 1 and Overlanding

As already alluded to by not mentioning it, diabetes management has not been much of an issue during this 30000+ km expedition. My experience is that the Minimed 780G system, including the Guardian 4 sensor, really has made life (with diabetes) on-the-go and off- and on the road much simpler. Never mind that I sometimes feel like a (medical) robot with the sensor stuck to my triceps and the pump stuck to my belly. And from time to time, wishing that it all was invisible and weightless or at least smaller in size and less intrusive. The GCM-system, however, does work very well, though the sensors do not always work the promised 7 days and require a few extras in reserve for long travels. On this leg I was, in fact, on my second last sensor when leaving Montevideo.   

For good glucose management, it is as always important to prioritize regular daily physical exercise. Though overlanding sometimes feels like a continuous physical and psychological state of tension, making you feel tired, moving your body is still required not only for muscles and staying-within-range blood sugar readings, but also for cognitive alertness.

And it has generally worked out very well, and I have managed (though sometimes with a struggle) to stay within range steadily larger proportion of the day. I guess, on my part I am gradually learning – though, with due respect for Medtronic´s skilled technicians – the 780G algorithm does not seems to “learn¨ the way I was expecting it to do based on my blood sugar results. Nevertheless, I hope, in due course, to be able to better take advantage of the closed loop 780G system to avoid still at times experiencing mysterious after meals high glucose readings. My feeling is that my bolus at times is off, which might be the case – after all the amount of bolus is always tricky when eating unfamiliar dishes or types of food when travelling. Who knows how many carbs there are in the local version of empanadas?? 😊. Or, in my case, I also suspect the now (for me) infamous autocorrection-function is too conservative and needs adjustment?

But importantly, the overall conclusion is that based on 60 years+ experience with diabetes type 1 management – and some 30 years using an insulin pump: Diabetes is still no problem! Just do it, but with the normal precautions of doing your best in keeping the insulin cool, bringing sufficient pump-supplies, and always having a full back-up regimen to rely on for worst case situations. One thing is for sure – the worst case will happen sooner or later, and better be prepared!