Summer Vacation with Type 1 Diabetes: Fun, Planning, and Unforgettable Memories

Summer vacation is finally here… my son’s favorite time of the year. Days filled with fun, water, games, ice cream, pool days, adventures, and memories that last forever.

For many families, summer means relaxed days, spontaneous plans, and going with the flow.

But for families living with type 1 diabetes, even though summer is still magical and incredibly fun, the planning never stops.

And honestly… that preparation is what allows us to enjoy it with more peace of mind.

How We Start Planning Our Summer

In our family, we start planning for summer well in advance.

The first thing we do is look for summer camps my son wants to attend. Then I contact the staff directly to make sure they can provide the extra care and support he needs.

We talk about:

• glucose monitoring,

• signs of low and high blood sugar,

• access to snacks,

• physical activities,

• and emergency protocols.

As a pancreas mom, I know that leaving your child in someone else’s care requires an incredible amount of trust. That’s why communication and preparation are everything for me.

Checking Supplies: A Summer Priority

One thing we’ve learned is that during the summer, we go through way more diabetes supplies than usual.

Especially:

• insulin pumps,

• continuous glucose monitor sensors,

• adhesive patches,

• and a lot more insulin.

Why?

Because most summer activities happen outside — under the sun, in the heat, and around water. All of that can cause devices to loosen, fail, or stop working properly much faster than normal.

On top of that, extreme heat can affect insulin potency.

That’s why checking our supplies ahead of time allows us to request extra prescriptions from our endocrinologist if needed and avoid last-minute emergencies.

Our Type 1 Diabetes Camp Kit

Depending on the summer activities, we also prepare a type 1 diabetes kit that stays with the camp staff.

This kit includes:

• glucose meter,

• test strips,

• insulin,

• low blood sugar snacks,

• drinks,

• low-carb snacks,

• extra patches,

• batteries or chargers,

• and all the important daily care information.

That way, everything needed is easily accessible in case of an emergency or unexpected glucose changes.

Because if there’s one thing type 1 diabetes teaches you… it’s to always be prepared for the unpredictable.

Summer and Blood Sugar Levels: An Unpredictable Combination

Type 1 diabetes and summer can be completely unpredictable.

Some physical activities cause high blood sugar. Others cause lows.

Even spending long hours in the heat and sun can trigger highs or lows depending on the day, hydration, activity level, and many other factors.

That’s why during summer we are constantly monitoring and adjusting as we go.

Our Extra Care with Omnipod 5

In our case, we use the Omnipod 5 system, and one very important thing we learned is that spray sunscreen is completely off-limits for us.

Spray sunscreen can cause immediate device failure.

So we always use lotion sunscreen instead, and we also place an extra adhesive patch over the pod to help prevent it from falling off due to water or sweat.

And yes… many times we end up contacting customer service to report failed devices and request replacements at no additional cost.

It’s simply part of our reality with type 1 diabetes during the summer.

Summer Snacks Still Get Enjoyed

Summer is also filled with treats and snacks: ice cream, popsicles, desserts, and all kinds of fun foods.

And while type 1 diabetes requires planning and management, we never want food to become something surrounded by fear.

That’s why, as a family, we choose one day a week where those special summer treats are enjoyed freely — without guilt or fear.

It’s not about restriction. It’s about balance.

Teaching our child that yes, he can enjoy life fully… just with preparation and awareness.

A Summer Full of Life

Type 1 diabetes changes many things. But it should never steal the joy of summer.

Yes, it requires more planning. More organization.More monitoring.More preparation.

But it also teaches us to enjoy every beautiful moment more intentionally.

I hope this summer is filled with beautiful memories, unforgettable adventures, and so many smiles for your family.

And don’t forget one very important thing: whenever you head out to enjoy the summer heat, always keep insulin refrigerated and protected from high temperatures.

Together, we are stronger.

Plan for a great summer