If you are reading this post, it is likely that you either have Diabetes or know someone that does and you want to know more about the Do’s and Don’ts.
Open Water Swimming as a Diabetic has many great health benefits, as well as being great fun. As a Diabetic, Open Water Swimming may bring some added risks but the good news is these can be managed. So, if you have been thinking about digging out your costume or shorts and jumping in the sea, look no further.
We have compiled all the best tricks, tips and safety messages from our research as well as first hand from Josie Newth. A keen Surfer, Ocean swimmer and Type 1 Diabetic.
Can Diabetics swim in the ocean?
If you’re wondering whether you can swim in open water with Diabetes, the short answer is YES, you absolutely can! In fact, some world renowned open water swimmers have Diabetes, including Scott Coleman, who was the first insulin dependent swimmer to cross the English channel in 1996. Coleman then went on to complete some other pretty impressive swims including the 45.9km Manhattan Island Marathon Swim in under 9 hours.
Cold water swimming and diabetes
Being exposed to cold water can cause Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) or Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) so we would recommend monitoring your blood sugars closely before and after swimming. ‘Researchers have found that blood sugar levels can be reduced after 30 minutes of cold-water immersion’ (www.thediabetescouncil.com).
It is also important to note that someone with Type 1 Diabetes may react differently to the cold, and that this may not be immediate. Overall, based on our research we have found that Cold water swimming comes with many benefits for people living with Diabetes and is a great activity to add into your routine. The benefits not only being for your body, but also your mind and not to mention being great fun! Check out Top 7 Cold water swimming benefits (2021) For more information.
We caught up with Josie Newth in between her busy schedule of working, surfing and swimming. Josie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2012, at the age of 13. Although she has had her struggles and challenges these have shaped her into the person she is today, being someone with a huge lust for life and a positive, ‘anything is possible’ mindset. Below is a Q and A with Josie about her love for the ocean and how she manages her Diabetes when out in the sea.
How does open water swimming make you feel?
I have always been drawn to the water, and I am a huge sea lover. I grew up in and around the sea, and have always enjoyed swimming and other water based sports. When I was diagnosed with Diabetes I was scared how this would affect me and my active lifestyle. However, it turns out I had no reason to be scared at all and actually, the sea would turn out to be a place of healing and comfort for me in my journey with managing my Diabetes.
When I go swimming I feel at peace with the world and at peace with myself. I feel so calm, I almost forget about my condition and the stresses it can bring. Swimming takes me away from my mind and brings me into the present moment. All I am thinking about is the feeling of the water against me, the beauty around me, my breath and sometimes, how cold it is!! But, even the cold brings me joy. It’s like a form of meditation, and I can’t get enough of it. Being in the cold water reminds me I can achieve anything, a reminder that can be needed when living with Type 1 Diabetes.
How long do you swim for?
The length of my swim varies depending on a few factors. For example, if it is absolutely freezing I will spend less time in the sea so I don’t get too cold or unwell. It can vary from a quick dip, long enough to feel the effects of the cold, to 20 minutes of splashing around and swimming. I tend to stay longer if I know my levels are higher, as I am less anxious about them dropping whilst in the sea. Sometimes the effects of the cold feels similar to my blood sugars dropping, so I may get out and check them before I continue swimming.
Would you recommend it to other type 1 diabetics?
I would 100% recommend Open Water Swimming to other Type 1 Diabetics. Living with Diabetes, or any chronic condition can be mentally draining and very challenging, it can feel like a full-time job! So, it has been so important for me to find hobbies that ground me and take me to another world temporarily.
Swimming is now one of these hobbies for me, and I could honestly talk about it for hours. My love for the ocean has grown since I have been swimming and the sense of calm it brings me extends to life outside of the water. I often think about being in the water when I am stressed and use it as a form of meditation and grounding. So, in short (or as short as I could make this answer) YES, I can’t recommend it enough.
Can you give any safety advice that you follow?
- I always check my blood sugar before I go swimming: Ideally I like my sugars to be above 7, if they are below then I will drink or eat something sugary to increase them.
- I always bring a snack with me (or a few) and some orange juice – I personally favour orange juice as it increases my levels quickly and doesn’t fill me up before a swim.
- I always go sea swimming with someone else or have someone watching from shore just in case my levels drop whilst I am out in the sea.
- I have had a few issues with my sensor falling out (Freestyle Libre) when I have been swimming regularly. So, I would recommend some sports tape to place on top of your sensor to avoid this happening.
- If you start to feel dizzy or weird at any point during the swim, it is best to get out and check your levels. If they have dropped below 7, I normally have some sugar and wait until they have risen before going back in the sea.
Please check out the Instagram link above for more information on Josie and the amazing work she is doing with the charity JDRF. The most important thing when undertaken any water activity is to keep yourself safe, so please check out Swim safety tips for more info. We strongly advise visiting your doctor for more advice to understand how your body will react if new to open and cold water swimming.
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