Swimming with an insulin pump requires careful preparation to maintain blood sugar control and protect your device.
This guide provides practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience underwater.
Can I swim with an insulin pump?
This depends on the type of insulin pump you use.
However, it is generally recommended that you avoid swimming with your insulin pump attached unless you use a waterproof insulin pump cover.
Most insulin pumps can function well with occasional contact with water, but water resistance varies by pump type.
The following common insulin pumps have varying levels of water resistance.
omnipod
Omnipod Aeros, DASH, and Omnipod 5 are all confirmed waterproof.
If you are frequently in the water, this is the best type of insulin pump for you, as you won’t have to interrupt your insulin while swimming or showering.
All regular insulin basal rates and even boluses can be maintained in water.
The body-worn pod is completely waterproof and can maintain optimal functionality even when submerged to depths of 7.6 meters (25 feet) for up to an hour.
The main thing to keep in mind when swimming with the Omnipod is that water reduces the effectiveness of the adhesive, so the longer you stay in the water, the more likely it is that the pod will peel off (read on to find out how to prevent this).
Tandem T Slim X2
The Tandem T Slim X2 pump is “waterproof” However, it is not “waterproof”. It can function in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes, but it is not designed for swimming.
Tandem recommends that if your pump is frequently near water, you should protect it with a waterproof pump case to avoid water damage.
Medtronic MiniMed
medtronic mini medTM The 780G system is an IPX8 device, meaning it is waterproof to a depth of 12 feet for 24 hours.
However, the sensor and transmitter are only water resistant to approximately 8 feet of water for 30 minutes.
This means that the entire system (pump, tubing, sensors, etc.) is classified as splash-proof rather than waterproof. Swimming with a Medtronic pump is not recommended.
How to make an insulin pump waterproof
One of the easiest ways to waterproof your insulin pump is with a protective case.
Various companies offer waterproof pouches designed specifically for insulin pumps. These pouches are made of durable, waterproof material that prevents water from entering your device and allows for easy access and visibility.
When choosing a case, make sure it’s compatible with your specific pump model and look for features like a secure closure or clear window.
What if my pump is not waterproof?
Always refer to your insulin pump manufacturer’s instructions to determine how waterproof or waterproof your pump is.
The waterproof pump can be left on while swimming.
Just because you have an insulin pump that isn’t waterproof doesn’t mean you can’t swim. It also doesn’t mean you need to remove your infusion set and cannula to swim.
To make swimming easier, remove your insulin pump and tubing from your infusion set and pause your insulin. Once out of the water, you can reinstall it.
Be careful not to remove your insulin pump for too long.
Most people recommend removing it for at most an hour before reattaching it for a bolus of insulin to prevent hyperglycemia and possible diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Tips for removing your insulin pump for swimming
The following strategies will help you safely remove the pump tubing.
- Pause all insulin before disconnecting to prevent the pump from wasting medication.
- Check your blood sugar before disconnecting your pump, and if your blood sugar is high, give a bolus with the expectation that you won’t be taking your basal rate for a while.
- Keep your insulin pump nearby in a waterproof case or bag.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels throughout your activity, and if your blood sugar levels start to rise, reconnect for a bolus or manually inject insulin.
- Try to limit insulin interruptions to 60 minutes, unless you are administering a bolus of insulin along the way.
- Once you reconnect your pump, remember to restart your basal insulin.
- Please stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen hyperglycemia and lead to insulin resistance and DKA sooner.
- Always carry low-glycemic snacks with you, especially when exercising in the heat.
How long should I leave my pump off when swimming?
This all depends on your blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, insulin resistance, whether you eat or not, and the amount of activity you do.
Most people recommend disconnecting your insulin pump for up to 60 minutes and then reconnecting it for a bolus of insulin.
Always monitor your blood sugar levels before, during and after hydration, and before and after exercise.
If your insulin pump does not provide basal insulin, you are more likely to develop DKA or hyperglycemia.
