Hiking With Diabetes: Get-Fit Getaways

March 9, 2017

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and rejuvenating—but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire time in a beach chair. Sure, you’ll probably want to plan things like a massage, shopping outings, and a trip to the beach, but you can also leave some room for activity. We’re not talking about shutting yourself in the hotel gym. Instead, you can get a workout and enjoy all the sights by taking a hike or bike tour. Check out the advice below to make sure your vacation is healthy and happy!

Take a Hike

If you want to hike on your trip—or even try a full hiking vacation—you’re going to have to do a little work before you leave. First, stop into your local outdoor outfitter; they can help you plan your hike and set you up with all the equipment you’ll need. Also, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the area where you plan to hike. Go online to research a specific trail or location, or get general hiking information from sites like HikeSafe.com. Finally, it’s always great to go with someone who has already hiked the trail, if at all possible.

If you’re considering planning an entire hiking trip, you may want to look into these spots, some of my favorite places to hike.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona – This is best in the fall or spring, and both the north and south rim are great.

Yosemite National Park, California – I enjoy all hikes in all seasons.

Zion National Park, Arizona – The “Narrows” hike is my favorite.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – You’ll enjoy all the beautiful red rocks and dirt.

The Appalachian Trail, Maine to Georgia – You can hike for months or just do a section!

Telluride, Colorado – It’s hard to recommend one trail—they’re all amazing.

Hiking with Diabetes: Things To Know

Venturing out into the great outdoors is a fulfilling exercise; you’re getting some fresh air, taking in beautiful sights, and pushing your body’s limits. However, when hiking with diabetes there are some things to keep in mind:

Prepare beforehand: Do your research so you can prepare before you leave. Whether that’s eating a proper breakfast or timing your doses, it’s crucial that your body is prepared for your expedition.
Pack accordingly. Once you decide your trail, you must figure out what supplies you need for the day, and pack generously! For example, make sure to carry some Transcend Glucose Gels to keep you going throughout the day.
Enjoy yourself: Taking a hiking trip should be a fun experience, keep it that way! That’s why preparing well beforehand and packing some extra Transcend Glucose Gels will keep your spirits high and your blood sugar controlled.
Spin Your Wheels

Prefer to pedal your way through the sites? It’s amazing how much you can see on two wheels: The wine country, quaint Vermont bed & breakfasts, romantic tours of the European countryside, and so much more. No matter what your experience level, you can find a tour that’s right for you.

If you’ve never gone on a bicycle tour, you should use a quality outfitter, such as Backroads, Vermont Bicycle Touring or Abercrombie & Kent. You can also check out the non-profit organization Adventure Cycling. They have incredible maps that are bicycle-specific and bike-friendly.

Check out some of my favorite bicycle tours below:

Napa Valley Wine Tours, California – This is great any time of year.

Vermont Bed and Breakfast tours – It’s the perfect summer outing.

Tour of the San Juans, Colorado – Enjoy the ride and the stunning views of the San Juan Mountains.

Tour of the Canadian Rockies – Plan a trip during the summer or early fall.

Looking for the best on-the-o snack when hiking with diabetes? Try our Transcend Glucose Gels!